Kotronias V - Beating Anti-Sicilians PDF

Grandmaster Repertoire 6A
Beating the Anti-Sicilians

By
Vassilios Kotronias
Quality Chess
www.qualirychess.co. uk
First edition 2015 by Quality Chess UK Ltd
Copyright © 2015 Vassilios Kotronias
Grandmaster Repertoire 6A- Beating the Anti-Sicilians

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Preface
Dealing with the Anti-Sicilians has never been a trivial task for chess players and writers alike.
One has to be ready for a wide spectrum, which varies from boring to surprisingly dangerous, and
this diversity is extremely hard to cope with, especially if you are not armed with sound positional
knowledge.
I believe that chis book divulges as much of chis positional knowledge as I am able to offer;
while at the same time contributing to the development of opening theory. I tried to create a
universal weapon, paying attention to both tactical and positional mechanisms, and I sincerely
hope that this attempt has paid off, bur chis is ultimately for the reader to judge. An important
consideration was to reduce White's options and suggest lines that could be viable irrespective of
the Sicilian system one plays as Black, and whenever possible I cried to make the repertoire choice
work in chis manner.
As the reader will notice, it is the 2.c3 and the 3.ib5(t) Sicilians that rake a lot of the space in
this book, and this is not surprising as they are both quite popular. The means I used to combat
them adhered to the rule "one tool for many purposes''. In the first case, by suggesting a system
based on ... e6, I complied with the needs of the move order l.e4 c5 2.ctJf3 e6 3.c3.
In the latter case I chose a set-up including both ... ctJc6 and ... d6 on moves 2 and 3 - making
the line accessible to various types of Sicilian user. These systems require tactical mastery, and
there is a slight disadvantage char one has to be aware of: sometimes castling is delayed, bringing
whatever dangers chis may incur. On the other hand, it is probably for this reason that they offer
better winning chances than other set-ups, as Black aims for the best possible structure before
resorting to safety. In this world, nothing comes for free.
One point to note is that I cover the Morra Gambit in Chapter 19, via the move order 2.ctJf3 g6
3.d4 cxd4 4.c3, rather than in the Various 2nd Moves section.
Of course, this book includes practically all Anti-Sicilians, and there are ocher dangerous systems
to cope with. I am particularly happy with the results of my work in the system l.e4 c5 2.ctJf3
ctJc6 3.ctJc3. The Sveshnikov is a line a lot of people want to play as Black, and my suggestion of
3 ... e5 coincides with the choice of Sveshnikov himself Ir has been postulated that this big hole
on d5 is something that denies Black winning chances, bur this is a rather simplistic assessment,
as the reader will notice by going through Chapter 12.
I would like to thank my editors, and wish all my readers many creative achievements in battling
the Anti-Sicilians.
Vassilios Kotronias
Athens, November 2015
Contents
Preface 3
Key to symbols used & Bibliography 6
Various 2nd Moves

1 Rare Options 7
2 2.g3 and 2.d3 24
3 2.b3 39
4 Wing Gambit 56
c3 Sicilian
5 Introduction 77
6 Rare 5th Moves 96
7 Various 7th Moves 107
8 7.ic4 136
9 9.Vfie2 156
2. ctJ c3 ctJ c6
10 Tiviakov Grand Prix 175
11 3.t2Jge2 193
12 3.t2Jf3 204
13 6.t2Jg5 224
14 Grand Prix Attack - 5 .ic4 246
15 Grand Prix Attack- 5.ibS 259
Closed Variation
16 Various 6th Moves 290
17 6.ie3 311
18 6.f4 327
2.lDf3
19 2 ... g6 342
20 2 ... e6 353
21 2 ... d6 368
2.CtJf3 CtJc6
22 Introduction 395
23 Rossolimo - 4.d4 407
24 Rossolimo - 4.ixc6t 435
25 Rossolimo - 4.0-0 460
Variation Index 489

Key to symbols used
White is slightly better a weak move
Black is slightly better ?? a blunder
± White is better a good move
+ Black is better !! an excellent move
+- White has a decisive advantage !? a move worth considering
-+ Black has a decisive advantage ?! a move of doubtful value
equality # mate
00 with compensation
? with counterplay
00 unclear
~ with an attack
t with the initiative
Bibliography
Aagaard & Shaw: Experts on the Anti-Sicilian, Quality Chess 2011
Bologan: The Rosso limo Sicilian, New In Chess 2011
Delchev & Semkov: The Most Flexible Sicilian, Chess Stars 2014
Emms, Palliser & Wells: Dangerous Weapons: Anti-Sicilians Everyman Chess 2009
Esserman: Mayhem in the Morra, Quality Chess 2012
Ftacnik: Grandmaster Repertoire 6 - The Sicilian Defence, Quality Chess 2010
Georgiev & Kolev: The Sharpest Sicilian, Chess Stars 2012
Hodgson & Day: Grand Prix Attack:f4 Against the Sicilian, Batsford 1985
Jones: How to Beat the Sicilian Defence: An Anti-Sicilian Repertoire for Vlhite, Everyman Chess 2011
Jones: Starting out: Sicilian Grand Prix, Everyman Chess 2008
King: The Closed Sicilian, Chess Press 1997
Kornev: Rosso limo and Friends, Chess Stars 201 5
Langrock: The Modern Morra Gambit (2nd Edition), Russell Enterprises 2011
Palliser: Fighting the Anti-Sicilians, Everyman Chess 2007
Sveshnikov: The Complete c3-Sicilian, New In Chess 2010
Sveshnikov: The Grand Prix Attack, New In Chess 2013
Periodicals
The Week in Chess
Electronic/Internet resources
ChessBase Magazine
ChessPublishing.com
Various 2nd Moves
a b c d e f g h
Rare Options
Variation Index
1.e4
1... cS
A) 2.~c4 8
B) 2.c4 9
C) 2.ctJe2 11
D) 2.ctJa3 ctJc6 13
DI) 3.~bS 13
D2) 3.ctJf3 14
E) 2.f4 g6 3.d4!? cxd4 4.Wxd4 ctJf6 S.eS ctJc6 15
EI) 6.Wdl ltJe4!? 16
El I) 7.ctJd2 16
EI2) 7.~e3 18
E2) 6.Wd3 19
F) 2.a3 g6! 3.b4 ~g7 20
Fl) 4.c3?! 21
F2) 4.ctJc3! 22
C) after 9.~e4! D 1) note to 4.d3!N E2) after 1O.l2lf3
5
4 •. 'if•·.·./
~ ts
2 ts. 8
, .~•. ,j[ w~ .:
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
9 ... g6!N 4 .. .tllge7!N

8 Various 2nd Moves
1.e4 c5 3.ctJf3 ctJf6! 4.ctJc3 (4.e5 d5! 5.exf6 dxc4

This chapter will concentrate on the 6.fxg7 ixg7 7YJie2 [7.ctJa3 e5!] 7 ... ctJc6
rare moves: A) 2.~c4, B) 2.c4, C) 2.ltJe2, 8.~xc4 b6! 9.0-0 §g8!-+ was better for Black
D) 2.ltJa3, E) 2.f4 and F) 2.a3. in Osipov- Rimkus, corr.201 O) 4 ... ctJc6 5.0-0
d5 6.exd5 exd5 7.ib5 id6 8.d4 0-0 9.dxc5
2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 gives us a choice: the solid ixc5 10.ig5 ie6 11.§bl §c8 12.a3 ie7
3 .. .l2if6 4.e5 ctJd5 enters the c3 Sicilian (see Bersamina - Kantans, Pune 2014, and now:
Chapters 5 to 9), while accepting the gambit
with 3 ... dxc3 4.ctJxc3 ctJc6 5.ctJf3 g6 transposes
to variation A of Chapter 19 on page 343.
2.ie2 is likely to transpose elsewhere, e.g.

2 ... ctJc6 3.f4 d5 4.d3 is line B 12 of Chapter 2.
2.a4 is a strange-looking move, but it has

some point to it, although I struggle to believe
you will face it regularly in tournament play.
2 ... ctJc6 3.ib5 ctJf6 4.ctJc3 g6 5.ctJf3 ig7 6.0-0
0-0 7.d3 d6 8.h3 a6 9.ixc6 bxc6 10.§b 1
§e8= was fine for Black in Quaddy - Neapus,
engine game 2011, which was agreed drawn an
emotionally-draining 115 moves later.
A) 2.~c4
3 ... ltJc6 4.ltJf3

4.c3 ie7 5.ib3 d5 6.d3 ctJf6 7.ctJf3 0-0
8.0-0 b5 9.ig5 (9.ic2 b4+) 9 ... h6!? (9 ... c4
1O.dxc4 bxc4 l l .ia4 dxe4 l 2.ixc6 exf3
l 3.ixf3 §b8 l 4.if4 §b5 l 5.b4 ctJd5 l 6.ig3
if6 17.a4 §xb4 18.cxb4 ixal 19.~xc4 ib7
20.ctJa3 ic3+± was a wild affair that eventually
ended in Black's favour in Rasik - Smirin,
Czech Republic 2003.) 1O.ih4
a b c d e f g h
This is rather harmless, as the bishop will be
an object of attack on c4 and will have to move
again. Black will be allowed to obtain good
development.
2 ... e6! 3.~e2

Chapter 1 - Rare Options 9
1O... a5!? l l .e5 t2'ld7 l 2.ixe7 t2'lxe7+ In my 12 .. .'l!Mc7Ni

opinion Black has an excellent position. He Black enjoys a slight edge due to the weakness
has a lot of space on the queenside, offering of the d3-pawn.
him promising chances in that sector of the
board. B) 2.c4
4 ... ct:Jge7!? s.~h3 This will most likely transpose to an English

5.d3 t2'lg6 6.h4!? (6.0-0 ie7 7.c3 d5 8.ib3 Opening. Here we will look at possible
0-0+ is great for Black) 6 ... id6! 7.t2'lbd2 h6 deviations from White's perspective.
8.h5 t2'lge5 9.t2'lxe5 ixe5 10.t2'lf3 ib8!? l l.c3
0-0 12.ib3 d5fZ is fine for us. 2 ... ct:Jc6 3.CLJe2!?
8
7 •
6
~•.tte••
t,i,Jlilw,h.~
%%nlnia%n
i~
Toying with the possibility of d2-d4,
transposing to a Maroczy Bind.
Instead, 3.t2'lc3 g6 leads to the English and is

outside the scope of this book.
sU • It ~·
:~~-,,:-
2
1
A ~M A ~AA~%~ A ~M
c.::ifc:.Jac.::ifc:.Ja~fc:.Jac.::if~
,,/,~f·
~~~- ,,/,U/,i
3.t2'lf3 e5 is obviously fine for Black, as the
knight stands badly on f3. One recent example
went: 4.t2'lc3 d6 5.d3 (5.g3 g6 6.ig2 ig7
7.0-0 t2'lge7 8.d3 0-0 9.t2'lg5 f6 10.Cl'lh3 ie6
l l.f4 ~d7 12.t2'lf2 t2'ld4 13.ie3 ~ab8+ was
excellent for Black in Plueg - Shaw, Coulsdon
~,,J · ~.3 i,,,,J ~ 1997.) 5 .. .f5!? 6.exf5 ixf5 7.h3?! ~d7 8.ie2
a b c d e f g h t2'lf6 9.t2'lh2?! White is fighting for the light
s... g6!? 6.c3 ~g7 7.d3 b6 8.0-0 ~a6 9J!el squares, but Black has enough resources to
0-0 I0.ct:Ja3 dS 11.exdS ct:JxdS 12.~gS combat this plan. 9 ... t2'ld4 10.ig5 0-0-0!
Black had the more harmonious development 11.0-0 h6 12.ixf6 gxf6 13.:±>hl?! (13.t2'ld5!?,
in Rasik - Jirovsky, Karlovy Vary 2004, and preparing to counterattack by b2-b4, might
should have now chosen: have made a fight of it.)
a b c d e f g h
10 Various 2nd Moves
much for White in Karacsony - S. Petkov, still gain a sizeable advantage after: l 5 ... 'Llc4!
-.R'l)R
i.~·~11)~~
corr. 2012. 16.~xdS ge8t l 7.'Lle4 'Lld6! 18.~xd6 ~xd6
l 9.<iixf2 ~b6t 20.fd ~xb2t 2 l.'Lld2
7.,.,.,.,
8
6
:i
RR
• '//''C// ~,0 /,, / gxe3 22.~xe3 ~c3t 23.<iif2 ~xd2t 24.<iif3
~c3t 25.<iif2 gS!+
4
sR~.£i/,Rt~R
•RR
2
3 Ri';/ ~i';/·~·w
A ~A~ ~A~(';'\
~~P'
c:..:::i /,c:..:::i/
~A~ A ~A~
/,CJ/
/,c:..:::i/~/,c.:s/ c:..:::i
1 ~~/~~VJ:ff•/i
/,,,,,y /uu,~ /,,,,,/ •
a b c d e f g h
3... ~f6!
It turns out that Black does not intend to
simply reach the Maroczy. Again, the clumsy
knight on e2 gives him the signal for a quick
opening up of the centre.
4.ttJhc3 e6! S.d4 dS!

So, there we have it. The only one who
seems to believe in White's chances here is
8:i-.i.~·-
7., •• ,.,%.
. , /,,,,,/ ,,,,,,~
~~
/,,,,,Y
5.~.r.~~
the German player Amadeus Eisenbeiser, but
practical examples suggest it is Black who has
6 //,.:.-.
the easier game.
3. m •
6.cxdS exdS 7.~gS
Eisenbeiser's trademark.
4 ~./~.,-
7.eS?!
2/j~
~ »,,,,, •
-~~/j~
~ -
This led to a quick disaster for \X1hite after:
7 ... 'Llg4! 8.f4?
8.h3 cxd4 9.'Llxd4 'LlgxeS 10.ff4+ had to be
1 ~~/,,,,,Y
a b
•v~:t~•:
•
c d
/,,,,,/
e f
•
g h
preferred, although it is clear that White is
struggling a pawn down. 7 ... ~e7!
8 ... cxd4 9.'Llxd4 fcS! 10.fbS 0-0! l l.'Llxc6 After this simple reply, it is rather White
bxc6 12.fxc6 ~b6! 13.fxa8 ff2t 14.<iie2 who is playing for equality. I think he can
'LlxeS achieve it by:
l 4 ... fh4!N-+ would have been cleaner.
15.<iifl? 8.~xf6!?
Better was l 5.~d2, although Black would 8.exdS 'LlxdS 9.fxe7 'Llcxe7 10.dxcS 0-0
leaves the white king too exposed in the centre, Barcelona 2007) 14 ... Wxc6 15.0-0 a5 16.:§'.cl
and I don't like his chances at all. For example: Wd6+ when Black still maintains a nagging
l 1.Wd2 (l 1.Wd4?! ie6 l 2.ctJf4 ctJxf4 l 3.Wxf4 initiative.
ctJd5! 14.ctJxdS Wxd5 15.ie2 Wxg2 16.if3
Wg6+ left White in dire straits in Eisenbeiser 11 ....ig4
- Solak, Dresden 2007.) l I...ie6 12.ctJe4 l 1...d3 12.ctJec3 ixc3t 13.bxc3 :§'.eS
Wc7! 13.g3 §:ads 14.ig2 l2Jf5 15.Wcl Wast l 4.Wxd3 ctJe5 l 5.We3 produces another
16.ctJ2c3 Eminov- Yilmazyerli, Antalya 2013, interesting position, where Black has a choice
and now: between 15 .. .fS!?~ and 15 ... ctJf3t 16.Wxf3
Wxd5 l 7.id3 Wxc5 18.0-0 ie6~.
12..ig2 d3 13JWxd3 .ixh2 14.E!:dl 'Wast

15.'Wd2 .ia3 16.'WxaS ltJxa5 17.h3 .ie6
18.0-0 .ixc5 19.ltJef4=
In this ending there is still plenty of play left
for both sides, but the objective evaluation is
equality: opposite-coloured bishops will soon
appear on the board.
a b c d e f g h
Aar.t.~·-;I)~~
16 ... ctJxd!N l 7.Wxc3 Wa6 18.ifl Wc6 /,'"//,( '/O'S// ~-~ '.,'.""/'.
I 9.ig2 ids 20.£3 t2Jd4!+

7.,..,..,..,.
8
:~·~~-~
8....ixf6 9.dxc5 d4 10.ltJdS 0-0
7.,./.,.0~.
s
6 /
•• ,..,.%.
A~iLi.B
B /;,,,;/,
0~.,
sg ~t;z)R R
4 "•lo~.
~~•~
B
/,,,,,Y
::-~..~~
2
1
A fr~ A ?}'~ ~ ?}'1%, A ?}'1%,
~ f[j/, ~ f[j/,e:.,z_Jf[j/, ~ f[j/,
:,,:-----/----%~-,:,;;/··,,/,w·-;:,/··--/,~'/,,,,,/,
~~t;z)~V~ilBM
a b c d e f g h
30 RR R White is trying to postpone d2-d4 and
28~ 0'LJ~8~ create an awkward dilemma for Najdorf
~~
/,,,,,Y ~V~L~~M
/~ B /,,,,,/,
players: 2 ... ctJc6 runs into 3.d4, while 2 ... d6
3.ctJbc3 t2Jf6 4.g3 could be luring them into
a b c d e f g h
a g3 Dragon or a Closed Sicilian with ... e6
11.g3!?N (which is beyond the subject of this book).
Weaker 1s l l .ctJxf6t Wxf6 12.ctJg3 ctJe5! Therefore, I have decided to offer a more clear-
13.id3 b6! 14.c6 (14.0-0? bxc5 15.:§'.e 1 c4 cut solution, in an attempt to satisfy all tastes:
16.ifl d3 17.Wd2 :§'.bS-+ was simply lost
for White in Eisenbeiser - Fluvia Poyatos, 2 ... ltJf6!? 3.ltJbc3 d5!
That's it! Usually this pawn thrust would be is not worse, in spite of his two-pawn deficit.
premature, but the knight on e2 will prevent A likely conclusion is a repetition after: 15.~e I
White from exploiting Black's opening of the (l 5.if4 4Jxd3 16.1Wxd3 iWxd3t l 7.cxd3 Ei'.xb2
centre. l 8.~e3 g6 l 9.id4 f6= is okay for Black)
l 5 ... CDf3t 16.c;t>dI ctJe5=
4.exd5
I think that White has to cake. g /'' ;~f0, /,""/,
.lg ~·~ ~~
/0
The alternative 4.e5 CDg4 5.CDf4 (5.f4?! is 8

better for Black after either 5 ... e6+ or 5 ... h5+) 7•iR.t•a•i
5 ... 4Jxe5 6.CDfxd5 e6 7.CDe3 CD bc6 8.g3 (8.f4
6 RA))R RR
sR RR R
CDg6 9.g3? ctJxf4!+) 8 .. .f5! 9.f4 CDf7 10.ig2
id7 11.0-0 ie7+! leads to a situation where
Black's control over the d4-square easily
4 R RiVR R
guarantees him at least equal prospects.
3R ~ R ~
f~f~-~~Sf
4 .. .lthd5 5.g3 lbxc3 6.lbxc3 .id7!
Black is ready
White must act.
to bring his bishop to c6, so
2
~~ ~
~j ftj L,J ~
a b c d e f g h
=~•: %~
9 ... g6!N
A strong idea: combining development
with the creation of a good square on f5 for
the bishop. Now Black has nothing to worry
about.
In Hou Yifan - Ju Wenjun, Lopata 2014,

Black continued with the weakening 9 .. .f5?!
10.®c4 ctJe5. After the further 11.®dS!
ic6 12.iWxeS ixhl, Hou Yifan could have
wrapped up the game with 13.CDbS!N Ei'.c8
14.4Jxa7 Ei'.xc2 l 5.®xf5+-.
a b c d e f g h
7.d4! I0 ..ig2 .ig7 11.0-0 0-0 12.Ei'.dl 'Wes
The only chance to develop an initiative. 13 ..ie3 .ifs 14.'Wa4
14.®h4 Ei'.d8 15.Ei'.xdSt ®xd8 16.Ei'.dl ®e8=
7 ... cxd4 8.'Wxd4 lbc6 9.'We4!
An accurate choice of Hou Yifan's, keeping 14 ....ih3! 15 ..ie4
the queen in the centre without allowing Black 15.ihl ®g4=
the luxury of harassing it.
15 ....ig4
9.®c4 allows 9 ... ie6! 10.®b5 (10.®a4 ®d4=) 15 ... if5 16.ihl Ei'.b8 17.Ei'.d2 ixc3 18.bxc3
10 ... a6! l l.®xb7 CDd4 12.id3 Ei'.b8 13.®xa6 ctJe5 19.®xa7 ®xc3 20.®d4 ®xd4 21.Ei'.xd4
(13.®g2 g6 14.0-0 ig7 15.ixa6 0-0 16.id3 CDc6 22.Ei'.d2±
®c8~) 13 ... CDf3t 14.~dl CDe5~ and Black
16J~d5 3 ... eS!?

l 6J::i'.d2 l'tJe5= This logical approach has been tried in
only a handful of games so far, but I believe
16 .. JWe6= it offers the best practical chances and is also
The chances look to be completely equal. strategically sound: it will be a long time
before the a3-knight can obtain access to the
O) 2.ctJa3 d5-square.
A rather weird move, designed to keep the 4.d3!N
c-pawn unblocked in order to use it in the The only testing move.
fight for the centre later on. The other major
accomplishment of having the knight on a3 Saule - Jemec, email 2006, continued with
is that it controls the c4-square, which means 4.l'tJf3, and here I would like to suggest a new
that, according to circumstance, White may idea:
try to turn it into either a base or a transfer
point for the sidelined beast.
2 ... ctJc6
I consider this logical reply as the best
possibility for Black, although plenty of other
good ones exist.
We will consider two moves for White:

01) 3.~bS and 02) 3.ctJf3.
01) 3.~bS
A move which has some purpose, especially

as jumping to d4 with the c6-knight is less
appealing without a knight standing on c3.
My preference for Black is an almost untried
move:
4.ixc6 dxc6 5.'tk4 (5.tbf3 bS!? 6.d3 id6 10 ... ltJxf3t 11.~xf3 ~g5! I2.a4 ~e6=
7.ltJbl h6 8.a4 ie6 is in no way better for Black has typically contested dS, getting rid
White as Black will transfer his knight to d7, of all his problems.
defending everything.) 5 ... ie6 6.®e2 ®c7
7.a4 ltJe7 8.ltJf3 f6= gives Black the perfect D2) 3.'Llf3
Rossolimo set-up.
4 ... ltJge7 5.ltJc4 d6 6.~d2!

Preventing Black from playing ... a6 and
gaining the bishop pair. Without this move
White would be worse.
The most obvious developing move.
3.. .ttJf6
With the knight on a3 this looks excellent,
as e4 is now under attack.
4.eS
The only try; without this move White
obviously has nothing.
7.ltJe3 ~e7 8.ltJf3 4.d3 g6 5.g3 ig7 6.ig2 0-0 7.0-0 dS

Both 8.a4 igS 9.ltJf3 ixe3 10.ixe3 0-0 8.exdS ltJxdS 9.E&el b6 10.ltJc4 ib7 l 1.h4
and 8.ltJdS 0-0 9.ltJe2 igS are level. h6 12.ltJceS ®c7 13.ltJxc6 ixc6= was fine for
Black in Gallinnis - Kabatianski, Germany
8 ... 0-0 9.0-0 2007.
So far, the moves have been rather obvious
for both sides. A simple equalizing idea is: 4 ... ltJg4 s.~e2
The correspondence player Hynes has been
9 ... ltJd4!? the chief exponent of this position as White,
9 ... ie6 IO.ic4 h6 11.ltJdS ®d7 12.a4 but he barely managed to scrape half a point
id8=, planning ... ltJce7, is also quite good. out of his last two encounters with it.
I0.~c4 s... f6!?

I0.ltJxd4 cxd4 11.ltJdS ie6 12.ic4 igS A drastic solution - and a good one it seems.
13.g3 ixd2 14.®xd2 ltJe7=
Alternatively, 5 ... Vfic7 6.4Jc4 e6 7.h3 4Jh6

8.d4 cxd4 9.ixh6 gxh6 10.Vfid2 ib4 l l.c3 b5
12.4Jd6t ixd6 13.exd6 Vfixd6 14.ixb5 Vfic5
8
7.,.).~.0,
•~•.tm
-~-~~
m
sm~~~-,Y,·'~
15.ie2 dxc3 16.bxc3 E!g8 17.0-0 !!b8~ was
6
double-edged in Hynes - Isigkeit, corr. 2008.
6.CtJc4 ctJgxeS 7.ctJcxeS fxeS 8.ctJxeS g6!?

m m ~~
4
9JWe3?!
This looks dubious. 3•"Dfm~S"
9.4Jxc6! dxc6! 10.Vfie5! (10.h4 Vfid5 is fine for
2
I • ~~/~,,?; ({rl]8r!]
8R "w",(
~
%
Black) 10 ... Vfid4 l l.Vfixd4 cxd4 12.ic4 b5 ~. f~

l 3.ie2 (l 3.ib3 d3) l 3 ... ie6= may look a a b c d e f g h
shade better for White, but in fact the position 28 ... h3! 29.~fl El:hhS! 30.gebl ~fS 31.g1b2
is just balanced: Black has a lot of space and ~e4 32.E!b6 'Wd7 33.g3 'Wfs~
will keep his e-pawn on e7, where it is safely Black was doing all the attacking and went
defended. on to win a nice game in Hynes - Benlloch
Guirau, corr. 2008.
s ~•.ts•~ ~~
r1,m,• m, ~ . /,,,,,/, /u,u~ /.,,,,Y,
E) 2.f4
:.-rm•i•
7
In this way, White avoids placing his knight on
c3 for the moment; after 2 ... 4Jc6?! 3.4Jf3 g6
::-~~-=-
2
~
oA~~A~~
~
~~/,,,,/.~/.,,,,/.~ti:•/.!
ro;;: o ro;;:
/,,,,,Y, ~
/,,,,,~
/.,,/~
~~A~~
ro;;:
/,,,,,/,
~
o ro;;:
4.ib5 he would achieve his aim of obtaining a
favourable version of the Rossolimo Variation.
2 ... g6
Black declares his intention of transposing
into lines analysed under 2.4Jc3.
a b c d e f g h
9 ... ltJd4! 10:~f4 'Wb6! I I.'Wf7t @d8 12.~d3
d6 13.CDf3 ~e6 14.'Wf4 ~g7 15.ctJxd4 ~xd4
16.c3 gS!
White's attack lacks the ingredients of success
and has obviously backfired. I will present the
remaining moves of the game, as Black plays
instructively.
17.'Wf3 ~eS 18.0-0 g4 19.'We2 hS 20.b4

cxb4 2U~bl aS 22.cxb4 axb4 23.~h2 gaS!
24.~c3 ~xc3 25.dxc3 El:eS 26.'Wd2 h4!
27.gxb4 'Wc6 28.El:el a b c d e f g h
28.E!fb 1!? must be an improvement.
3.d4!? Ell) 7.CLid2

Leading the game to relatively untrodden
paths. The attempt to exchange the knight leaves the
3.Cllf3 ig7! Waiting for White to put his queenside a bit bare, for example:
knight on c3 before resorting to ... 4Jc6. 4.4Jc3
~ c6 A Grand Prix proper has been reached. 7 ... CLixd2 8.~xd2
The natural move, but Black can now play
3 ... cxd4 4.~xd4 CLif6 5.eS CLic6 ... d6 without worrying about weakening his
White can retreat his queen with either pawn structure.
El) 6.~dl or E2) 6.~d3.
8.~xd2!N
This is relatively best.
El) 6.~dl
8 ... d6! 9.exd6 ig7 10.ctJf3!
10.dxe7?! ~xe7t l l.ie2 (l l.~e3 ie6!+
leaves White terribly exposed, as he is
seriously lagging in development.) 11 ... 0-0
l 2.4Jf3 if5!t Black has a tremendous
initiative for the pawn.
10 ... 0-0 l l.ic4 ~b6! 12.c3!?
White might hold after l 2.d7 ixd7 l 3.®xd7
E&ad8 14.®g4 ®b4t 15.4Jd2 ixb2 16.E&bl
ixcl 17.E&xb4 ixd2t 18.~f2 ixb4 19.E&dl
ic5t 20.~fl 4Jd4+, but obviously Black
has some chances to exploit the coordination
of his pieces and the opponent's queenside
a b c d e f g h weaknesses.
This has been sporadically played; White

wishes to avoid being harassed by a subsequent
... if5. ~ow, however, Black can exploit the
fact that e4 is no longer covered:
6 ... CLie4!?
Black places his knight on a wonderful
central outpost. White may try to exchange
the knight on e4, or ignore it, at least for the
time being, and concentrate on development:
Ell) 7.CLid2 or El2) 7.~e3.
7.~f3N may well be best. A possible line of

play is: 7 ... d6 (7 ... ®b6 8.®e2 d5 9.®e3! 00 )
8.®e2 (8.ie3 transposes to the note on
8.~f3?! in variation El2) 8 ... 4Jc5 9.ie3 4Je6 Black has excellent counterplay in the IQP
(9 ... ig4!?; 9 ... ®b6 I0.®b5!±) 10.~d dxe5 position that has arisen, but White has an
11.fxe5 ig7 12.:§dl ®a5 13.:§dS ®c7 00 accurate reply:
1s.mb1!
White should have enough to maintain
approximate equality.
s ...~g7 9.~c3 d6 I0.CDf3 o-o

White is having difficulty maintammg
control over e5, as the following variations
show:
11.~bS
This is the most thematic move, but all
the same Black manages to keep a degree of
unpleasant pressure.
Weaker is instead l l .exd6?! ~xc3t 12.bxc3

®a5!+.
Instead, 13.0-0-0 ~h6! costs White a precious
l 1.®d2!? might be tenable. I consider the pawn for little compensation.
following line to best for Black: 11.. .~g4!
l 2.~e2 (l 2.exd6?! ~xc3! l 3.®xc3 ®xd6 13... bxc6 14.Wff2! Wf a6!
14.ctJeS 4Jxe5 15.fxeS ®b6+) 12 ... dxeS Black insists on preventing White from
13.ctJxeS (l 3.®xd8 gfxd8 14.ctJxeS ~xe2 castling.
15.@xe2 ctJd4t+) 13 ... ®xd2t 14.@xd2
15.Wfe3
15.®e2! was a better try, but after 15 ... ®a4!?+
Black maintains a nagging edge.
A good reply to l 5.®e3 is:

The ending was slightly better for Black The following lines illustrate Black's potential:
due to his central mass, Salmensuu - Hillarp
Persson, Reykjavik 2000. Bi ~·~
.1 Bij_~•m f~
/O'S'/ ~,, "/
s
E12) 7.i.e3 d6!?N 7rliR rliRi
RIJJrl RaR
Trying to exploit the active e4-knight by
opening up the position. White now faces a
struggle to keep the balance.
7 ... d5
This leads to more static play, although
4~-~••
6
sR R ~ R
3R R
~~-
~ R
Black should basically be okay; the move 2 ci~ci- -ci~
.. .f6 can perhaps be employed at some point 1 ~~~BiV~~~:
R /,, , /, ;/, , , ,
/,,,,.Y,
to liquidate the annoying e5-pawn. a b c d e f g h

8.id3
8.lllf3!? ig4 9.ie2 ig7 10.0-0 0-0 8.i.d3!?
11.t2lbd2 t2lxd2 12.®xd2 ®a5!? 13.d!? Intriguing, but Black still comes out on top.
(13.®xa5 t2lxa5=) 13 ... e600 Weaker is 8.®dS?! if5 9.ib5 ~c8+ when
8 ... ®a5t White will be pushed back.
8 ... if5 9.t2lf3 ig7 10.0-0 0-0 11.t2lbd2
®c7= After 8.t2lf3?! ®a5t! 9.c3 dxe5 10.fxe5 ig7
9.c3 ig7 10.t2lf3 the e5-pawn looks fatally exposed. 11.b4?!
(White is also worse after l 1.id3 t2lc5 12.ic4
7.,
s
6
•• ,~,
AB.i.BcmB
-II)~,~'~
,
~~ ie6) l l...®c7 12.id3 if5! White is in big
trouble. For example: 13.®c2 (or 13.g4
0-0-0!! 14.gxf5 t2lxe5-+ and White is about
to be massacred along the open lines)
5~ . ,• •
4 .B Bll)f~ B
2B.•~mltJB
3
Ar~
7 0
~ ~Aw~
Q% ~ ~O;:Q%
1 ~~ltJ~iV~
~w /, .. ~
/,,Y, ~M Y
a b c d e f g h
10 ... f6 !? 1 1.exf6? !
11.0-0!? 0-0 12.b4! ®c7 13.®b3!± e.g.
l 3 ... e6 14.ixe4! dxe4 l 5.exf6 ixf6 l 6.t2lfd2
11...t2lxf6 12.t2lbd2 ®c7 13.t2lb3 0-0 14.ib5
<j;)hs 15.®e2 t2lg4! 16.id2 e5 17.h3 t2lf6
18 .ixc6 bxc6 19. fxe5 t2l e4 20. ® e3 ia6+
Black was better in Damljanovic- Z. Arsovic,
Belgrade 1995. However, as was obvious from
the comments, White could have improved
earlier on.
Finally, Black also ends up slightly better after: White is trying to justify the queen sortie.
8.'1Wf3 f5! 9.exf6 'Llxf6 10.'Llc3 ig7 l l.h3
(l I.ic4 ig4! 12.'1Wg3 d5 13.ie2 if5t is 6 .. .lllh5!?
harmonious for Black) 11...0-0+ The knight is safely placed on the rim here:
it is important not to lose time by retreating
8 ... ~a5t 9.c3 ~d5! 10)Da3!? it to g8.
7 ..ie2
An attempt to exploit the knight's placement.
7.'Llf3 d6!
White has problems containing Black's
activity.
8.'Llc3
8.exd6 if5! 9.dxe7?! '1Wxe7t 10.'1We3 0-0-0
l I.ie2 '1Wxe3 I2.ixe3 ig7 13.c3 ghe8
14. <ii f2 c2i f6+
8 ... ig7 9.exd6
9.ie3?! if5 I0.'1Wb5 dxe5 l l.'Llxe5 0-0
12.gd I '1Wb8!+ with the idea l 3.'Lld7 ixd7
l 4.gxd7 'Llxf4! l 5.gxb7 '1Wd6 l 6.ixf4 '1Wxf4
l 7.'1Wxc6 ixc3t l 8.bxc3 gfd8! l 9.gd7
gab8-+
11 ..ixcS
11.ifl !? might be a better chance.
11...~xcS 12.lZ)bS ~bs!i

Black is for preference.
9 ... if5!?
Disturbing the coordination of White's
forces.
9 ... 0-0 I0.ie3 if5 I1.'1Wd2 00 and White
breathes a lot easier.
I O.dxe7 '1Wxe7t l l.'1We3 'Ll b4!?
l l...'1Wxe3t 12.ixe3 0-0-0 I3.<iif2 ghe8
14.ib5 00
a b c d e f g h 12.ibSt <iif8 l 3.'1Wxe7t
13.!a4 !xc2!
13.~f2 'Llxc2 14.®xe7t ~xe7 15.'.si:bl ct:Jd4
16.ga 1 ghd8+
13 ... ~xe7 14.0-0 ctJxc2 15.gbl ct:Jd4 16.gal
ghd8+
11.'lM!xh7!?
11.0-0 dxe5 l 2.fxe5 (l 2.®xb7 ct:Jd4!+
exchanges White's good knight on f3, giving
Black the better prospects.) 12 ... ct:Jxe5
13.ctJxe5 Wd4t 14.~hl ®xe5 15.ctJc3 0-0
a b c d e f g h
16.®xb7 (16.!f4 Wc5!+) 16 ... e6+ Black is fine
7 ... d6! in view of his two bishops.
Black ignores White's threat, as ... !f5 will
gain even more time. 11 .. JkS;;
Black has excellent compensation in return
s.~xh5 ~fs 9JWb3 for the pawn.
The solid choice.
F) 2.a3
After 9.®b5 gxh5 10.exd6 (10.®xb7 !e4!
yields tremendous compensation for the pawn) White prepares b2-b4, with the idea of
10 ... ®d7! l l.'Llf3 (l l.dxe7?! !xe7 12.ct:Jf3 attacking the pawn on c5. If Black then replies
0-0-0 13.0-0 !xc2 14.Wxh5 !g6! 15.Wh6 with ... cxb4, that helps White achieve a central
ghg8--+) 11 ... e6!?+ Black stands well. pawn preponderance. However, in practice
things are not simple.
9 ... gxh5 IO)Df3 ~g7!?N
It seems more to the point to concentrate on 2 ... g6!
development rather than lose time defending It is a traditional idea to meet similar flank
the pawn. attacks by fianchettoing the king's bishop.
10 ... Wd7 11.0-0 e6 00 happened in Westerinen 3.b4~g7

- Amason, Brighton 1981. We will check the dubious Fl) 4.c3?! before
moving on to the main line with F2) 4.Ctk3!.
Fl) 4.c3?!
11...cxd4 12.CLlxd4
12.!xd4 t2lc6 13.!b2 1.Wxdl 14Jhdl t2le4!
4 ... dS! S.exdS lMfxdS 6.ltJf3 CLlf6 7.~e2 0-0 l 5.fxg7 ~xg7+
Black is threatening ... c4, so White's response
is practically forced. 12... CLle4
White has made too many pawn moves,
8.c4 'Wd8 9.~b2!
which allows Black's better-developed army to
9.bxcS? eS!+
rake the leading role in the proceedings.
13.~f3 'Wd7! 14.'Wd3 CLlc6! 15.~xe4

l 5.\Wxe4 t2lxd4 I 6.\Wxb7 t2lxf3t l 7.\Wxf3
!xb2 l 8.Ba2 fe5+
1s .. .e2hd4 16.CLlc3
16.!xb7 \Wxb7 l 7.fxd4? ~fd8!
16 ... ~xe4 17.\Wxe4 On 6J[b l, holding on to the pawn, the best

17.Cllxe4 fi'.fd8 18.cS Wg4! reply is:
17 ... \We6 18.\Wxe6 ~xe6i
a b c d e f g h
6 .. .t2'if6! 7.bxc5 (7.b5 l2'id4 8.e5 'Llh5!~ is fine
for Black) 7 ... bxc5 8.ibS!? (8.ic4?! 0-0 9.0-0
d6+) 8 ... ct'ld4!? (8 ... 0-0 9.ixc6 dxc6 10.0-0
ig4 11.gel l2'id7 12.h3 ixf3 13.Wxf3±) 9.e5
'Llg4 10.ct'lxd4 cxd4 l 1.Wxg4 dxc3<:tJ Black has
a fully playable game.
The critical move: White intends to bring
After 6.ic4 e6! the bishop on c4 bites on
the rook to b 1, support the pawn on b4, and
granite! For example:
thus complete the Bayonet Attack set-up.
White will then try to develop the kingside,
either by ic4 and l2'if3, or with a fianchetto of
the king's bishop.
4 ... b6!
The most solid move available to Black,
maintaining the central equilibrium.
s.~f3
After 5.g3 'Llc6 6.fi'.b 1 e6! (6 ... d6 7.ig2 e5
8.'llge2 'llge7 9.0-0 0-0 1O.d3 l2'id4 11.bxcS a b c d e f g h
bxc5 12.f4 ie6 13.fS! gxf5 14.exfS 'Llexf5
7.0-0 'Llge7 8.d4?! (8.bxc5 bxc5 9.2;bl 1s
l 5.'Llxd4 cxd4 16.ixa8 Wxa8 l 7.'Lle4± is what
preferable) 8 ... cxd4 9.ct'lb5 0-0 10.'Llbxd4
White is hoping for) 7.ig2 'Llge7 8.'Llge2 0-0
ct'lxd4 l l.'Llxd4 ib7+/+ Black had the better
9.0-0 d5+ Black may well be slightly better
pawn structure, as well as the more harmonious
already.
development, in Dobrov - Aroshidze, Kavala
2004.
5 ... ~c6 6.~b2!?N
Probably the best way to sacrifice the
b4-pawn.
12 ... aS 13.hxcS dxc5 14.a4 b4 15JWe2 .id7

16 ..ic4
l 6.h4!? ctJc8 00
16 ... ~c8
The computer finally agrees that Black
stands well, and obviously his position is more
pleasant from the human perspective in view
of the protected passed pawn on b4.
Conclusion
The 2nd move options examined in this chapter

are not in any way theoretically dangerous
6 ... e5!
for Black, but some may require careful
With the bishop on b2 this looks like the
memorization of details. Throughout the
strategically correct move.
chapter I tried to give sound recommendations
6 ... cxb4 7.axb4 ctJxb4 8.~c4~ is unclear. without jeopardizing our winning chances,
and I am particularly satisfied with the results.
7 ..ic4 ~ge7 8.0-0 0-0 9.~d5 d6= Overall, an engrossing chapter with many
The computers are happy to be White interesting ideas for Black, which I hope will
here, which is difficult to understand as enhance the readers' winning ways.
the bl-bishop is inactive. The position is
approximately balanced: Black intends .. Jfb8,
followed by ... b5 and/or a timely capture on
dS. A sample line is:
I0.c3 ~b8 l l.~e3 h5 12 ..ia2

12.~e2 f5t
6
4 8
Various 2nd Moves 3
28888 888
I M;/;LUi~@~ltJ::
• •
a b c d e f g h
2.g3 and 2.d3

Variation Index
1.e4
1. .. c5
A) 2.g3 d5! 3.exd5 ~xd5 4.~f3 ig4 5.ig2 Wfe6t 6.~fl ~c6 7.h3 ih5 25
Al) 8.d3 Wf d7 9.~a3 e6 26
Al I) 10.~c4 26
A12) 10.g4!? 27
A2) 8.~c3 Wf d7 27
A21) 9.d3 e6 28
A211) 10.a4 28
A212) IO.ie3 29
A22) 9.~e5!? 30
B) 2.d3 ~c6 32
Bl) 3.f4 d5!? 32
Bl I) 4.~f3 33
B12) 4.ie2 34
B2) 3.g3 d5!? 35
B21) 4.exd5 35
B22) 4.~d2 36
A) note to 3.exd5 A22) note to l 5 ... 'Lld5 B22) note to 10.~e2
8 .~;
7 i
6 ••.• /
5
4
3
2 8
I .
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
17 ... g5!N 18 ... id3t!N 10 ... b5!N

Chapter 2 - 2.g3 and 2.d3 25
1.e4 cS
In this chapter we will focus on A) 2.g3 and
B) 2.d3.
A) 2.g3
This one allows Black to free himself with an

immediate central thrust.
2 ... dS! 3.exdS

3.d3 dxe4 4.dxe4 Wxdlt 5.ci>xdl
I have faced this ending twice in my So far we have been following Zvjaginsev
practice, and despite my minus score I can - Kotronias, Vrnjacka Banja 2005. Now
boast of having excellent positions out of the instead of the game's 17 ... ixh3?!, which
opening. allowed my opponent the reply l 8.ig5! 00 ,
5 .. .Ctk6 6.ie3 e5! 7.4Jd2 I should have played:
7.c3 g6! 8.f3 id7 9.CtJd2 0-0-0 10.ci>c2 l 7 ... g5!N 18.ig3 ixh3i
f5 11.Bdl ci>c7 12.CtJh3 h6 13.CtJb3?! The initiative clearly rests with Black. After
(13.exf5 gxf5 14.CtJf2 CtJge7 15.CtJc4 b6=) my mistake in the game White soon equalized,
13 ... bG l 4.CtJf2 CtJf6+ was slightly better leading to an even rual draw.
for Black in Totsky - Kotronias, Pardubice
2007, although I managed to lose in the end. 3 .. :~xdS 4.lLif3 ~g4 5.~g2 ~e6t 6.@fl
'tJc6 7.h3 ~hS
7 ... g6!
This is always the idea, obtaining a fluid
pawn centre.
8.c3 f5 9.CtJgf3 CtJf6 10.h3 id7 I l.ib5
After White's choice on the 3rd, the moves so
I l.ic4 id6 l 2.exf5 gxf5 13.Bel e4 14.ihG
far look like a (more or less) forced sequence.
ci>e7 15.ci>c2 b5! 16.ixb5 CtJb4t 17.cxb4
White has lost the right to castle, but the
ixb5 l 8.CtJh4 ci>e6i is rather dangerous for
black queen is awkwardly placed in front of
White.
the e-pawn, and the c-pawn may become a
11...0-0-0 l 2.CtJg5 Be8 13.CtJt7 Bg8 14.Be I
weakness if Black is not careful. At this point
2'.g7 15.CtJhG f4! 16.gxf4 exf4 17.ixf4
there are two main continuations for the first 12. ~g 1N 1s untried according to my
player: Al) 8.d3 and A2) 8.ctJc3. knowledge. Perhaps Black should play l 2 ... iJ7
l 3.!2:'lfd2 b5 14.!2:'la3 !2:'ld4 15.~h2, and here
Al) 8.d3 both l 5 ... !2:'lf5 and 15 ... h5 lead to interesting
positions.
Delaying the development of the queen's
knight with the idea of !2:'la3-c4. This plan
appears time-consuming, but White's structure
is solid and perhaps he can afford it.
8 .. JWd7 9.ctJa3 e6
a b c d e f g h
12... eS
12 ... !2:'ld4 13.ixd4 cxd4 14.°\Wel was unclear
in Sepp - Yakovich, Leeuwarden 1993.
13.~gl
13.!2:'lfxe5?! does not work in view of
13 ... ixdl 14.!2:'lxd7 ixc2 15.!2:'lxfS ixd3t
16.c;tigl ixc4 17Jkl ia2+, and only Black
can be better.
All) 10.ctJc4 f6!
A typical and strong move! 13 ... e4 14.ctJfeS '\WfS 15.ctJg4 exd3 16.cxd3
'\Wxd3 l 7.'\Wxd3 ~xd3 18.i,e4
l l .i,e3 ~d8! 1s.c;tih2?? if7-+ costs White a piece.
Preventing l 2.g4 followed by l 3.d4.
12.a4
After 12.g4?! if7 13.a4 b6 14.°1We2 !2:'lge7
15.if4 !2:'ld5 16.ig3 ie7 17.h4 0-0 18.h5 h6
19.!2:'lh4 !2:'ld4 20.°\Wdl e5+ Black clearly had
the upper hand in Flower - Aseev, London
1994.
20 .. .f5!?N is also possible according to the
engines, but weakening e5 in such a way is a
difficult decision for a human to make.
18 .. J~dS I9.@g2 One might wonder what happens in case of

l 9.a5 ig6+ l l...~ge7!?, since it is not clear that Black
has to commit his bishop to e7 so early.
I9 ... iJ7= However, after 12.~c4 ~d5 we will probably
We have reached an approximately reach positions similar to those arising from
balanced ending, as White does have enough l l ... ie7, as there appears to be no better
compensation for his pawn. square for the bishop.
AI2) I0.g4!? I2.~xg6 hxg6 I3.~c4 ~f6 I4.a4 ~dS

I5.~d2 gS 16.aS :e'.d8 I7.c3 g6i/=
White tries to get the bishop pair as All this happened in King - Sveshnikov,
compensation for his loss of castling. Neu-lsenburg 1992. A possible line is:
I0 ... ~g6 1I.~h4!

Having said A he says B. Otherwise White
will have nothing to show for his weakened
kingside.
This time l l .~c4?! is pointless after 11 .. .f6!.

For example: 12.a4 (Better is 12.ie3 b613.if4
e5 14.~fxe5 fxe5 15.~xe5 ~xe5 16.ixa8
~c6 l 7.<iig2 ~ge7 1sJ;;e1 <iif7 l 9.c3 <±ig8
when the position is complicated.) 12 ... ~ge7
13.h4 e5 14.~fd2 if7 15.~e3 0-0-0 16.a5
Balashov - Filipenko, Katowice 1992, and
here I like:
A2) 8.~c3
1I ... ~e7
The only move tried in praxis.
Developing fast in ant1c1pation of ... ~d7, 1-~xc6 19.~gl ~hes 20.ltlxg6 hxg6 21.~e5
against which White prepares a tactical ggS 22.ge4 gd5 23.$c3 ~b8 24.~h2 f6=
liquidation. With balanced play in Kristo! - Brekke, corr.
2006.
8... Wfd7
Now White's most common reply is A21) 1O.g4 ig6 l l .lllh4 i,e7 12.ltlxg6 hxg6 and
9.d3, while A22) 9.~eS!? is the forcing line now:
alluded to above.
A21) 9.d3 e6
;iB
s •••~~~
7•iBtfBa•a
6 Bll1BiB B
sB •BB.a
4 BBB B
3B ~tBtZJ~t
2 b~b- ~~- ~ ~
~~
C"/
1 ~ii~~~!t
~,;0
a b c d e f g h
We immediately have another parting of the
b) l 3.ie3 t2lf6 l 4.t2le4 b6= was level in Suetin
ways with A211) I0.a4 or A212) I0.~e3.
- Sveshnikov, Dubna 1979. Black's c-pawn is
safe and he is about to evacuate the long white
1O.iJ4 looks artificial, but it should be taken
diagonal.
into account. The reply I like for Black is:
10 ... id6 l I..ixd6 ~xd6 12!tle4 ~e7 13.~d2
c) l 3.a4 t2lf6 l 4.a5 is unclear after either
t2lf6 l 4.t2lh4 ltlxe4 15.ixe4
l 4 ... a6 or 14 ... §dS.
A211) I0.a4
A well-motivated move, designed to weaken

Black on the long diagonal or undermine
the defence of his c-pawn. However, it seems
that Black is able to neutralize the pressure by
relying on common-sense measures.
I0 ... ~f6 11.aS ~d8

Again, Black removes any potential targets
from the long diagonal.
8
1
-·"'
BiR /::!
6iBi¥BiBiB
\~
.:
~~
•it~
~~·-
w
~~
J' "
sD • B Dlll
,/1B, ~
B
3n~m:ffl~Ri
4
2-~l·"~~~
!~~"•'·~-~
/. , .~ B B B
a b c d e f g h
I2.g4 ~g6 I3.'Dh4 ~e7 I4.'Dxg6 hxg6 19 ... fS!?N
I5.h4 Sveshnikov recommended this as better for
1 5 .id2 has been suggested by various Black, but the computers rather prefer his
analysts as a better move, but I doubt it is so game choice of 19 ... c4!? 20J:h4 cxd3 2 l.cxd3
after l 5 .. .CtJd5 l 6.tt:hd5 exd5+. 0-0 22.ibG. Then the position is just level
after either 22 ... 2'.dG!?N= or 22 ... 2'.c8 - which
7-'•tr•'•A ~~
was the move actually played.
8 • ~~·-
20.1Mff3! 1Mf c8 21.'Da4 e5 00
6 •••,,,,. We have reached an unclear position with
sD 1%.• )?%.R B .~ chances for both sides, but in practical chess

it would be more difficult to handle as White.
BB Bb~
3-~m:~~-L~
Therefore, I agree with Sveshnikov's assessment
-
4
2-~fl•~~-
1 lltiVB@B
~~
/,,,,,/, . ~ /,,,,/,
M
that 19 ... f5 is the best continuation after all.
A212) I0.~e3
a b c d e f g h
15 ... a6! I6.~e3
16Jfh3!?= seems more to the point, followed
by ~gl. In that case, the position looks even
to me.
16 ...1Mfc7 17.gS 'DhS I8.~xc6t

l 8.4Ja4?! fails to l 8 ... 4Jxa5+, e.g. l 9.b4?
~;c4! 20.ixc5 ixc5 2 l .4Jxc5 4Jg3t!-+.
I8 ...1Mfxc6 I9.El:h3
So far we have followed Short - Sveshnikov,
Solingen 1992.
30
a
12
t., e7 13.lt:hg6 1u2 1 F"\ dS (as seen in. a
···""
13.gS?! .ihS.
1 14 Be "IJ
. ld be better for ac
Bl km a b C
f ames) shou f r 15.ctJxdS . b ·1s out to an eq ual endgame.
couple o g deficit arising a te d· nated
spite of the pawn 0= White is uncoor I
exdS 16 ..ixcS 0- +.
This a1 5 0-0-0
.Ledl 10. Q)xd7 ~xc2 1 1 · Q)xc .
k' is weak.
and his mg 6 ~h3 9...
12.b4 . f Whites, O peranon,d
4h 4 ~d8 1 ,c=, The .mam. pomt o b xpose
hxg6 1 · 4 q)d4 15.a @g8 19. h3 ~h7 reminding Black that h'is king can e e
13... I!/ 1 b6 18.!'!cl 412ld6!?~
-·~~
©£8 17. g ., 'tle8 22.ll!fg
20.©hl !'!h8 21.g5..
as well.
. ..
;)S'f
~~ . •'*rn
•-~~~ j. i.lJ
/,""~
·-'N/ ,/&, , ~~-~~ . . /,.

y
'f:~.L.
8 .
7 •/,,,,,/,0,/,/1%
' ~ ~• ~
r~ -·~~ffl_/~
'.
6
0"fi ~ ' '
Wf!j,
//'//./, -~
5
. / . ....
4
-~"By, J/.:~_,7~rn -~'°0"
!%B~
2
3
I
•Afil~~ - -
~rP
~
~
a
i •
BcQ/~."~,,~-
b
~g,
iii.~
c d
~
e
" f
•@
~
g h
a b C
13.Cthb7! @xb7 14.bS ttJge7 ~a7 21.t2le2 t2lxe2 22.8xc2 8d7 23J'~b 1
The c2-bishop does a fine job of restricting 8b8 24.8xb8 ~xbS 25.8c6 ~a7 26.!fl
the al-rook here, so the only question is if ~b7 27.!g2 ~a7 28.!fl= left the players
Black can emerge better from this position or no other choice bur to agree a draw in Mozes
nor. - Loginov, Budapest 1990.
19.~gl 8d4 20.t2la4t
15 ..ia3 20.~h2 8c8 2 l.8he 1 t2le7+ looks a bit
An attempt to force a draw by increasing the passive for White.
pressure on the pinned knight. 20 ... 8xa4 21.8xc6t ~as 22.~h2
22.8d6 !bS 23.!c6!?
Instead, l 5.bxc6t t2lxc6+ leads to a small yet 22 ... 8xa2 23.8d6 !bS 24.8cl 8a3 25.!e4
clear advantage for Black. g6 26.8c7 a6 27.~g2 8b3 28.d4 8b4 29.!b7
8c4 30.8e7~
We have tried hard to keep the game alive,
but White has an active position and further
progress will be difficult to achieve for the
second player.
16.bxc6t @xc6
Now I believe White has to choose carefully
so as to equalize:
~ c·~ ~-~
/,'""/
8 ~ ~~ ~ i~
/,, ,Y
7
• R Ra•a
/,,,,,/, ~ ~ /, /,
6
5 R
R•RaR R
ffl'))ffl R
~-~~-~
4
3
~-1 ~"" . ~ ~""~
2
tR.t.f~ ~~-
1 f~ R R@R:
a b c d e f g h
17 ..ixdSt!N
Untried, and best.
Bad is instead l 7.t2lxd5?! !d3t! 18.~gl

!xa3t and Black's position is by far the more
a b c d e f g h
pleasant one.
18 ... !d3t!N
This seems a better try than l 8 ... t2Jd4, after 17.!xfS !d3t 18.~gl 8hxf8 l 9.t2lxd5 exdS
which the continuation 19.~gl a6 2Q.;;t,h2 20.8c 1t ~d6 2 l .8c3
I was once confronted with this position,

and managed to keep some winning chances
alive with:
a b c d e f g h There are obviously no real winning chances

for Black and the game should end in a draw.
21 ... ibS!?
2 I...ie4 22.ixe4 dxe4 23.d3= was agreed B) 2.d3 ctJc6
drawn in Nadyrkhanov - Serper, Tashkent
1993. The remainder of the chapter will focus on
22.<iih2 Bl) 3.f4 and B2) 3.g3.
22Jh3! a6 23.ffl ! would have reduced
Black's edge to a minimum.
~j_~·-1.t)~~
Bl) 3.f4
22 .. .Ek8! 23.E~hcl gc4! 24.d3 gxc3 25.gxc3
ge8 26.ff3 d4 27 _gb3 <iicS ~ /O'S// ~,~ /""'/
Black's extra space and active king makes the 8 ;i

ending difficult for White.
7 r.taRamama
28.a4 ia6
28 ... fxa4 29.ga3 fb5 30.gxa7 fxd3 6 Rl.t)R R R
3 I.gxf7 fe4 is also better for Black. sR m RR
29.<iig2 f5 30.h4 g6 31.hS
As played in Zivic - Kotronias, Thessaloniki 4 R Rb~ R
2007, and now best was:
31 ... ge6!Nt
3R RbR R
It is already doubtful whether White can 2b~b-
~,,~J; ~
o/~°J.Uf~
-b~
~r!f; R ~
draw. ~~~00:
/,,,,,Y §~)et~;,~(@,
/uu,~ /,,,,/, /,/,,,,,,
a b c d e f g h
17 ... exdS 18.~cl! .id3t 19.ctJe2t @b7
3 ... dS!?
20Jk3 .ia6 21.d3 d4 22.gh3t @a8 23 ..ixfs
I like this dynamic solution, opting for an
ghxfg 24.f3 gbs 25.ctJxd4 ~xb3 26.ctJxb3
open game. White now has the following
.ixd3t 27.@f2 ~c8 28.gdl=
possibilities: Bl l) 4.ctJf3 and Bl2) 4 ..ie2.
4.exd5 '1Wxd5 5.ltlc3 '1Wd8 6.ltlf3 l2lf6 7.g3 g6

8.ig2 ilg7 9.0-0 0-0 IO.ie3 l2ld4 11.ltleS
fe6!+ is excellent for us.
4.c3 is dealt with convincingly by 4 ... eS!, when 6 ... ~h6! 7.h3 0-0 8.0-0 b6
Black's better development is bound to give Black had the better game in Hussan -
him the upper hand. For example: Al Hadarani, Dubai 2002.
7.,/,ml•
8
••,•,.,"m
~ mtl-~~ .. ~~~
A ~j_?§1~~.-.it~
m ,•,m •
6 /,
: •m""m!~ ~.
~ ~ /,,,,,/, ~
~,~~-'~
a b c d e f g h
5.~e2 (5.~f.3? is best answered with 5 ... ~f6

6.fS bS! 7.igS d4+, and Black's colossal space
advantage on the queenside offers him the ~~l:tJ,fflV~~-:
better chances.) 5 ... ie7 6.~f.3 exf4 7.ixf4 a b c d e f g h
~f6 8.~bd2 0-0 9.g3 h6 10.ig2 ge8+ It is
4 ... ~g4!?
clear that the queen on e2 is only a problem
Svidler's idea, which is both simple and
for White.
strong. Black is planning ... e6, followed by
... g6, ... ig7 and ... CLlge7. Of course this
4.~d2
involves giving up the bishop pair, but the
Now I like the following continuation:
ensuing set-up gives Black easy play and he is
4 ... g6! 5.~gf3 ig7! 6.ie2
by no means worse.
6.g3?! ~f6 7.eS (7.ig2? ~g4! 8.~e2 ~b4!
gives White a headache, as 9.~b3 dxe4
5.c3
I O.dxe4 b6! is quite hard to meet without
5.~bd2N g6! 6.ie2
significant concessions.) 7 ... ~g4 8.ctJ b3 0-0
6.h3 ixf3 7.~xf3 (7.~xf3?! dxe4 8.dxe4
9.c3 b6 I O.ig2 f6!t Black has all the play.
~xdl t 9.~xdl 0-0-0t 10.id2 ih6 looks
He leads slightly in development and the
problematic for White, e.g. 11.~gS ixgS
b3-knight is misplaced.
12.fxgS h6 13.gxh6 ~xh6t) 7 ... ~d4 8.~dl
eS! 9.~f3 exf4~ is also not worse for Black.
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
6 ... !h6!? BI2) 4 ..ie2

An experimental move, but it seems to work.
6 ... e6= is of course safe and sound.
7.exd5!?
7.g3 lt'if6 8.0-0 (8.e5 lt'id7 9.h3 !e6 10.h4
f6t is better for Black) 8 ... 0-0 9.c3 !g7
leads to a complicated strategic fight, where
Black's chances do not seem inferior. He
has good chances in the centre and on the
queenside, and after 10.lt'ig5 both 10 ... !c8!?
and 10 ...!xe2 l 1.Wxe2 lt'ie8 12.e5 lt'ic7~
look good.
7 ... Wxd5 8.lt'ic4
8.h3 !e6 is similar to 9.h3 right below.
8 ... lt'if6 9.0-0 a b c d e f g h
9.lt'ie3 Wd6 10.lt'ixg4 lt'ixg4 l l.g3 0-0 Meek, but the engines consider it best.
12.0-0 gad8 13.c3 Wd7=
9.h3 !e6 10.0-0 0-0 l l.lt'ig5 lt'id4= 4 ... e6!?
9 ... 0-0 10.lt'ife5 !xe2 l 1.Wxe2 gac8= With the bishop developed on e2 White's
Leading to approximate equality. attacking potential is reduced, so Black doesn't
have to fianchetto his king's bishop.
s... e6 6.h3 .ixf3 7.~xf3 g6 8 ..ie2 .ig7
9.0-0 ctJge7 I0.ctJa3 a6 l 1.~f2 5.ctJf3 .id6 6.0-0 ctJge7 7.eS
Delaying this move is not so good, as Black
will then prevent it with .. .f6:
7.lt'ia3 0-0 8.c3?! f6! 9.Wel a6 10.lt'ic2 Wc7
11.g3 b5 12.!d 1 c4! l 3.dxc4 bxc4 l 4.lt'ie3?!
14.exd5N exd5 15.lt'ifd4 lt'ixd4 16.lt'ixd4
!h3! l 7.lt'ie6 Wa7t! 18.ie3 Wb8 19.lt'ixfS
!xfl 20.Wxfl Wxb2! 21.~c 1 ~xf8 22.Ek2
would have been preferable, although after
22 ... Wb5+ Black retains an extra pawn and
winning prospects.
14 ... icS?! B2) 3.g3

14 ... dxe4N 15.C2id2 f5 16.4Jdxc4 ic5+ is
great for Black.
15.ic2 ib7
15 ... d4!?N 16.cxd4 4Jxd4 17.4Jxd4 ixd4t
16.riihl dxe4 17.ixe4 f5 18.ic2 e5t
With some initiative for Black, who
eventually prevailed in Ansell - Shirov,
Gibraltar 2012.
After 7.e5, a possible continuation is:
7 ... i.c7 8.CtJa3 0-0 9.c3 f6 10.exf6 ~xf6

11.g3 h6N
Less clear is: 11...ctJfS 12.Ei'.el Ei'.b8N a b c d e f g h
(12 ... id7 was tested in PurePower - White's idea is to develop in the style of
El-Shaddai, engine game 2012, with a draw the Closed Sicilian, except he doesn't want
being the eventual outcome.) 13.ifl bS to put his knight on c3 and seriously hamper
14.4Jc2 b4 00
any central operation. He'd rather reserve that
square for the pawn, hoping to build a broad
1Vtk2 centre by means of c2-c3 and d3-d4 later on.
l 2.ie3 d4 l 3.id2 dxc3 14.bxd a6 15.ctJc4
(15.4Jc2 e5=) 15 ... bS 16.4Je3 e5+! 3 ... dS!?
A no-nonsense solution, aiming to transpose
to a reversed Fianchetto King's Indian.
White can try B21) 4.exdS, but the most

popular move by far is B22) 4.lt:Jd2.
B21) 4.exdS ~xdS S.ltlf3 ltld4
a b c d e f g h
12 ... eS 13.fxeS ctlxeS 14.ctlxeS i.xeS 15.d4
cxd4 16.ctlxd4 ~b6
With a balanced game.
There is no question of an advantage for B22) 4.CD d2

White.
6.~g2
6. ctJ bd2?! 1W e6t!+ ensures the exchange of
White's precious light-squared bishop and
lands the first player in an inferior position.
6...~h3
A winning attempt is: 6 ...1We6t!? 7.ie3 ct:Jf5!
8.1We2 (8.0-0 ctJxe3 9.fxe3 g6! 00 ) 8 ... ctJxe3
9.fxe3 (9.1Wxe3!? 1Wxe3t I0.fxe3 g6 l l.ctJc3
ig7 12.ct:Jb5 gb8 13.c3 id7 14.a4 ct:Jh6 00 )
9 ... g6 I0.ctJc3 ih6 l l.e4 (l 1.ct:Jd2!?) l l...ct:Jf6
12.0-0 0-0+ Black was already better in a b c d e f g h
Davies - Chandler, Blackpool 1990. A logical and fighting continuation.
7.~xh3 4 .. .CDf6 s.~g2 g6 6.CDgf3

A balanced game arises after 7. 0-0 ixg2 6.f4?
8.ciixg2 ct:Jf6 9.ct:Jbd2 (9.ctJc3 1Wc6 IO.gel, as This leaves White in a difficult situation.
played in Strikovic - Suba, Zaragoza 1995, 6 ... dxe4! 7.ctJxe4
is comfortably dealt with by the simple This recapture is forced, with a worse but
I0 ... g6!=) 9 ... e6 1O.ct:Jc4 Arkhipov-Semeniuk, tenable position for White.
Vladivostok 1995, when best is 10 ... ie7N=. In Movsesian - Kamsky, Moscow (blitz)
2008, White blundered with 7.dxe4??, and
surprisingly Kamsky failed to find the simple
7 ... ct:Jg4!N-+ leading to a decisive material
gain.
7 ... c4!N
The main point of this move is revealed after:
8.ct:Jxf6t exf6 9.dxc4 1Wxdlt 10.ciixdl ig4t
l l .if3
l l.ctJf3 0-0-0t l 2.id2 ctJd4 13.Ei'.fl ic5 variation with colours reversed and a tempo
14.c3 ctJf5 15.@c2 ie3! 16.iel ixf4! is down. I finally decided that we should
tough for White. refrain from ... e5, and try to exploit the slight
11...0-0-0t 12.id2 if5 13.idS ctJb4 weakness of the d3-square.
14.ixb4 ixb4 15.ctJf3 ie4 16.@e2 ixc2t
Black's big lead in development and the 9.dxe4 'Lld7!
exposed white king become significant factors Black sets his sights immediately on the
in Black's favour. critical square.
6 ... ~g7 7.0-0 0-0 I0.~e2

A reversed Fianchetto King's Indian has been The best move, first played by Polugaevsky
reached where White has an extra tempo - but back in 1991.
that hardly gives him the advantage. Although
I am a fan of White's set-up even with a tempo After 1O.~c2 ctJde5! Black equalizes
less, as everyone who has read my book on the comfortably. 11.CLlxeS! This is best. (11.Ei'.dl?!
King's Indian Fianchetto Systems knows, it has ~d3+; 11.ctJel?! ie6+ is worse for White,
to be said that these positions are about equal whose queen has lost contact with the
if Black knows what he is doing. important g4- and c4-squares.) 11 ... CLlxeS
l 2.f4! ctJd3 l 3.ctJc4 b5!= With approximate
8.c3 equality.
Undoubtedly the most critical continuation.
A logical reaction to 8.Ei'.el is 8 ... d4!?, 10.ctJc4
exactly because the rook is not functional on Now I would like to recommend an untested
e 1 when the centre is blocked. After 9 .a4 e5 move:
10.ctJc4 CLle8!=, intending ... ctJd6, Black had
comfortably equalized in Pachow - Uhlmann,
Munich 1996.
10 ... bS!N
10 ... ctJb6!? l 1.ctJe3 ~xdl 12.Ei'.xdl occurred
in Sarno - Borgo, Mantova 1996, when
most accurate would have been 12 ... ie6N
13.lLlgS! (13.lLldS Ei'.fd8 14.lLlgS ig4 15.f3
8 ... dxe4!? id7 16.f4 h6 l 7.ctJf3 ie6=) 13 ... id7 14.f4
(14.ctJdS Ei'.ad8=) 14 ... h6 15.ctJf3 Ei'.fd8 16.eS
I thought for a long time to find an equalizer
here, as I did not want to play a Kasparov with a slight edge for White.
l l.~e3 b4!
Black gets a fine posmon and immediate
counterplay. For example:
12.\Wa4 ib7 13Ji'.dl \Wc8 14.id2 ~b6
15.\Wb3!?
l 5.\Wc2 bxc3 16.bxc3 gd8+
15 ... ~aS 16.\Wc2 ~ac4 l 7.~xc4 ~xc4 18.if4
bxc3 19.bxc3 ic6 20.~d2 ~xd2 21.\Wxd2
gd8 22.\WxdSt \Wxd8 23.gxd8t gxd8 24.eS
ibS! 25.gbl id3 26.gb7 iaG 27.gbl id3=
a b c d e f g h
20 ... El:xdlt 21.~fxdl ~xc6 22.~xc6 gxc6
23.cxb4 cxb4 24.~d2 f6! 25.exf6 ~xf6
26.~xb4 ~d4 27.~c3 ~cs~ 28.@g2 El:d6
29.El:cl El:d3 30.~g4 ~b7t 31.@fl ~a6
32. @g2 ~b7t 33. @fl ~a6
A draw was agreed in Polugaevsky- J. Polgar,
Aruba 1991, crowning a well-played game by
both sides.
Conclusion
After 2.g3 the usual continuation is 2 ... d5!

3.exd5 \Wxd5 4.~f3 ig4 5.ig2 \We6t 6.~fl
4Jc6 7.h3 ihS when we reach an odd position
10 ... ~deS is not so good in view of the where White has given up the right to castle,
standard reply 11.~e 1!±, preparing to push but the black queen is misplaced. If White is
the e5-knight back. careful he can retain equality, but Black has
nothing to fear if he follows my lines.
11.~el
l l.~c4!? b5 l 2.~e3 b4 00 also looks fine for In order to combat the topical 2.d3 variation,
Black. I adopted the Reversed Fianchetto King's
Indian. This meant that I was fighting against a
1 I...b6 12.f4 aS 13.eS ~a6 I 4.ltk4 bS beloved system of mine a whole tempo down.
Black's counterplay comes just in time to However, it turns out being a tempo down is
distract White from kingside operations. not always a problem in chess, as every move
has its weaknesses to offset its strengths. Such
15.~e3 ~b6 16.~f3 El:ac8 17.tDd3 b4 was the case in the fine illustrative game
18.gdl gfdS 19.~f2 a4! 20.~xc6 Polugaevsky- Polgar in the concluding section
20.gxdSt \Wxd8 21.\Wdl \Wc7 22.~e4 of the chapter. Black equalized by brilliantly
~as 23.cxb4 cxb4 24.\Wel \Wa7 25.~f2 ib7 utilizing the slight weakening along the a6-fl
26.id2 b3!+± would have been unclear. diagonal caused by 8.c3.
Various 2nd Moves
2.h3
Variation Index
1.e4 c5 2.h3 ctJc6 3.ih2
3 ... e5!
A) 4.ctJc3 40
B) 4.ic4 ctJf6 42
Bl) 5.ctJc3 'tJxe4! 6.ctJxe4 d5 43
Bl I) 7.ih5!? 43
B12) 7.id3 44
B2) 5.d3!? d5! 6.exd5 ctJxd5 45
B21) 7.ctJc3 46
B22) 7.ctJf3 46
C) 4.ih5 47
D) 4.f4!? exf4 50
DI) 5.ic4 50
D2) 5.ctJf3 51
B 11) note to 1O.f,!?~ B 12) after 9.ci:lO!? C) after 9.0-0
10 ... ie7!N 9 ... f5!N 9 ... ~d7!N

1.e4 cS 2.h3 We will focus on four tries for White:

An opening that contains a certain amount A) 4)tk3, B) 4.~c4, C) 4.~bS and D) 4.f4!?.
of venom if Black is not well prepared to meet
it; the bishop on b2 offers White dangerous Opting for a double fianchetto with 4.g3 does
attacking chances against inexact play. not have any particular merits. After 4 ... g6!
5.ig2 ig7 6.'Lle2 d6 7.0-0 'Llge7 8.'Libc3
(8.c3?! 0-0 9.d4 exd4! 10.cxd4 was Suarez
Uriel - Rubio Mejia, Madrid 2011, and now I
like 10 ... b6!Nt) 8 ... 0-0 9.'Lld5
8 a~~-A~
:;;;;;;:,,/,~ii~; :_~/eta~/////
1~;j-~
7 ~~ & %$:: ;,~ & %& &
f•~ A {{{jij;J; :~ A ~; A
6
~
~~¥~ ~~,..
::/f~~~y&°!::///\1$'»,
5
~ r•i~t•~
$1$
m mbm m
3m8m
4
2
mm
A %~ A ifM/1";\iw:: ~ ::wi
LJ~LJr~~fc.JL:il.f~
~w~:a:~
/,,,/,r'., /,,,,/ '/,,,,,/ ' /, ,,/
a b c d e f g h
1 ~~
/,,/ ~ ~ /, ,/
2 .. .ttk6 3.~b2 a b c d e f g h
3.f4 e5 4.'Llf3 exf4 5.ik4 (5.ib2 will
9 ... f5!? (9 ... 'Llxd5 10.exd5 'Lld4=) 10.exf5
transpose to variation Dl) 5... 'Llf6 6.'Llc3 id6
gxf5 l l.d3 ie6 12.'Llxe7t ®xe7 13.f4 Bae8
7.0-0 0-0 8.Be 1?! 'Lle5 9.iJl was Walta -
14.®d2 ®d7! 15.Bael 'Lle7! 16.a4 b6 Black
Paasikangas Tell a, Tampere 1991, when Black's
was fine in Spassky - Nemet, Lugano 1982;
best is: 9 ... 'Llxf3tN 10.®xf3 ie5 l l.ib2 d6+
his intention was to follow with ... id5,
One brief finish could be 12.Ei'.adl? id4t
trading White's useful defending bishop. For
13. st, h 1 'Li g4 -+.
this reason White should have continued with
l 7.c4! 00 with balanced chances.
3 ... eS!
Probably the most efficient way to block the
radius of the ambitious bishop. The weakness
of d5 can be covered up.
An attempt to play for f2-f4 by first luring
the black knight to f6, depriving Black of the
possibility of giving an annoying check on h4.
4 .. .liJf6 S.f4!?
5.g3 is too slow: Black gets an excellent game
by 5 ... d5! 6.exd5 'Llxd5 (6 ... 'Lld4!? 7.ig2 ig4 00
deserves consideration too) 7.ig2 .ie6 8.'Llge2
®d7 9.0-0 'Llxc3!? (9 ... 0-0-0 00 ) 10.ixc3
id5!~ exchanging the good bishop on g2.
Chapter 3 - 2.b3 41
7.c2Jf3!?
7.'llge2?! g5!?N
This typical King's Gambit move looks like a
good response.
8.h4!?
8.'lld5 ig7 9.0-0 0-0 10.g3 ih3+
-.•.i.~*m,~./,,Y,~~
8 . , / . . / , .,• .
7
•'l)r~ . _1j_ -~
•~•br~
-b~ . -~
6 .
sU ¥"11 "u" srv~
~- . r•~- .~- . r•~
4 .
3
2l ~R~~-~--~--~--b-
/0,
L(,.§;
a
//.,,,,,_
b
~°tlXXJ~
~§;;g
c d
~
~--
e f
-~L,/
-~
-~
~§
g
1pr
8 ... ig7! 9.'lld5

9.hxg5?! 'llg4! 10.§'.h5 (10.'llxf4 Wxg5+)
6..ic4!?
1O... 'llge5+
6.CtJf3 transposes to the note on 6.'llc3 in
9 ... 'lle5
variation 02.
9 ... 0-0 also looks interesting.
1O.ixe5
6 ... d6!?
1O.ib5t ~f8!?+ is slightly better for Black.
This non-committal move appears to be
1O... dxe5 l l.'llec3 g4 l 2.h5!
Black's best.
12.We2 'llh5!+
12 ... h6 13.We2 0-0 14.0-0-0 a6+
6 ... 'lle5?! 7.'llf.3 'llxc4?! 8.bxc4 d6 9.0-0 ie7
Black's position is for preference, although
10 .d3 0-0 11.Wd2 can easily become better
the game remains complex.
for White.
42 Various 2nd M oves
7 ... ~g4 8.0-0

On 8.We21:i ·· Bl ac k h
y 8 ... ie7' (8
is b
b · .. .lild4)1 s 9ould
1"/d calml
• Y d evelop
~teer for White) 9 o· 3 ixf3 1O.gxf3±
castling · -0-0 0-0 -
h· O
n opposite sid when the
,m. So far, White has es appears to favour
trymg to get mostly tried 10 li'ff2
(10 l"id out of the · ,
200s g~, as played in Chois anJno~ing pin.
' s ould be answer y - aulm, France
the better game for Blac:.~ by 10 ... a6!N with
s .A~
w-1·;,J~ :,,,,; /
~. %..·'S';;i~::~w:0::
1 ::J? ';; & ~/, ,/,
L
f§:~WJ
LJ A ~ J&/,"""w,i'.%%L
~w,·;,:/'""~,
~
~~ ';;
ff.-i,
~
~.l,l!/~
1~ ~•. !Pt/::
.~
/,/,; /
/,
"//,,('" /
6
5 ff .~
4 ~ '.%'.%!!%@, ~
1., >•
b ~.
ff £>i m ff. ·~ •
3 jjjj·.,;~. ~ . A . ·.~;,:. .
2 lfl'Y~ltl·
~ o trc..J ~l A/%~,~
A ~(.f/{I
/,o
Ij ~ j :«/
~ Fr' ~i~_o:f!:J 0,;f.M"::
,/3JW~0~
/,,,,/,gjj WW
a b /, );;%;
C d e f
For som g h
h ave refrainede strange
ficom the
reason, Black pl ayers
JO "
... '1Jxe4!N 11 4J natural and
dxe4 i4.ixe4 Was":4 ds i2.id3 c4! i~r~~!
8 ... ~e7=
The game
exampl f loo ks equal. In th l
to slow~ rom this position so fare B~n y practical
y outplay his op ' ack managed
ponent and .
.d3 wm:
9
g h
Chapter 3 - 2.b3 43
Black can exploit its position with ... 4he4 and

... d5 tricks.
4 .. .ttlf6
White's most popular move is Bl) 5.CtJc3, but
B2) S.d3!? also merits serious consideration.
Bl) S.~c3 ~xe4! 6.~xe4
6.ixf7t ~xf7 7.4he4 d5 8.t2lg3 ie6 is

okay for Black in view of his bishop pair and
pawn centre. If 9.c4, then 9 ... c2lb4 leads to
complications that are not unfavourable for a b c d e f g h
Black. 9 ... i.fS!
9 ... f6?! 10.W'xe4 W'd5 l l.f3!± White prepares
6 ... dS d2-d3, leaving Black's c5-pawn weak. (Instead,
l l .d3?! immediately can be met by l l ... c4!+.)
10.f3!?N
Creating a favourable pawn skeleton for
White, admittedly at some cost of time.
10.ixe5
~~
s a ~ f.®:-W~
?~~'§'~ ~~~
;~/
1 i::•%
.;:'.~,~. ..~. .~. w~
~. ~ &
::•%. &
6 m1a
~
mm
5:wJ:0
~ / / ;~.!.~
,,,,,-; . .;w~
White can head for complications with

4. m m1m m
3./j• • •
B11) 7.i.hS!? or regain the pawn immediately
2 b • b f[J{iif!] b •
with B12) 7.i.d3.
1 im
/ . /
/... ,/".
':::%%//
~~
w~
;//'/,/
~
/,,,,,/ ~n
/."///,
/'/,,,,,,
Bl l) 7.i.hS!? a b c d e f g h
10 ... ie7!N
\\?hire tries to create weaknesses in Black's 1O... Wd5 l l.ic3 id6 12.W'e3 0-0 13.t2le2,
pawn structure, resulting in interesting play. as played in MacQueen - Rees, Augsburg
2013, looks tenable too. A possible follow-
...... dxe4 8.i.xc6t up is 13 .. .f6!?N, giving the black queen a
8.'We2 if5 will most likely transpose. useful retreat square on f7.
l 1.W'e3!?
8 ... bxc6 9.'1Mfe2!? l l.ixg7?! ggS 12.ie5 if6! 13.f4 (13.ixf6?
9.ixe5 W'g5! I0.ig3 ie7+ W'xf6+) 13 ... ixe5 14.fxe5 W'd5t
11...0-0 12.4Je2 ig5! 13.~f4 ~f6 14Ji'.dl here. He is creating problems for both white
id4! 15.®g3 ge8 16.0-0 ge6! bishops.
Black threatens ... gg6.
17.®gS! ®xg5 18.ixgS h6 l 9.ie3 ig4=
9.ltJf3!? 1 1 b d
. ly, 9 .Ji;(,
Al ternanve 1.,xd41I• • ®xd4+ is c ear y a
I0 ... ~d6! 11.0-0-0!? for White.
l l.fxe4? ®h4 t+
9.®h5 id6 10.ctJf3 g6! l l.®h6 if8 12.®e3
ig7 l 3.c3 4Je6+ is also better for Black.
11...aS!? fi White
Creating attacking chances be o~e
stabilizes the situation on the queens1de. 9 31t Not the most crmca' · · 1 bur certainly
.c ..
thematic.. After 9 ·· · 4Je6 1O.ctJf3 fS!?N
1.,
id6 ll.d4=) 11.ixfS! ctJf4 12.J;;(,xc8

12.fxe4 5 ge8
r:--..
12 a4 tl ex f31. 13.ctJxf3 0-0 14,-{h.'1Jxe ,- ~~3; 13.ih3 ®e4t 14.~fl ®d3t 15.~el=
15.~f3 ixe5 16.®xfS ixb2t l 7.'t:Yxb2 c4.+ h e ends with perpetual check, unless
t e gam ,-{h It ctJ 2 t
White is willing to venture 15.'t:Ygl.. e_
12 ~e6 13.ctJf3 f6 14.d3 l 6.®xe2 ®xe2 17.gel ®a6 18.ctJxeSoo with
{4.a4 c4! l 5.d4! (l 5.bxc4? ®b6+) l 5 .. :cxd3 wild complications.
16.gxd3 ®e7 is unclear. Black has the bishop
. an d w1·11 aim to push his c-pawn to c4 to
pa1r, The text occurre d m. Melnikov - Alieva,
improve their power. St Petersburg 2014, and should be answered
by:
s Ji
A R.t.~e>ll
1
6
~.fR'Rilli
L/,R
~ '?f.~
R ~~ • R
s H ra;; ~•:: ~/,
°•,z~.iR R
·~·0
·~·~/,·~~%'"'_-~
4
• ,,~ H
3
2 /j ffl /j ff]_
C'\{"" - ~ \ U f j ~
'/ fG}-~
H rci
R
1 ~~ H§~ ~§
~-~-~ b c d e f g h
9 ... fS!N I0.ltJxd4 cxd4 11.~d3 g6! 1~.~c4

B12) 7.~d3 12.0-0 ie6 is in no way threatening for
Black.
The most common move so far in practice, but
in my view it gives Black good prospects. 12 .. J&d6!
White gets no advantage in any of the
7 dxe4 8.~xe4 ltJ d4! following three continuations:
...Black does not have anything to worry about
Chapter 3 - 2.b3 45
13.0-0
13.c3 d3! 14.Wf3 e4 I 5.We3 ig7 16.0-0-0
(16.f3 ie6=) 16 ... ie6 l 7.ixe6 Wxe6 18.ghel
leads to equality:
16.~a3 \Wf6 17.~xfB E1:hxf8 18.~xd3 e4;;

In my view Black's compensation is sufficient
for the pawn.
B2) S.d3!?
After 13.We2, the cool 13 ... id7! prepares long

castling with balanced play. For instance: I 4.c3
0-0-0 I 5.cxd4 exd4 16.0-0 ig7 I 7.Wd3 ii>bs
18.a4 ic6 19.ia3 Wc7 20.gacI ie5+±
This quiet move has been Short's choice,

trying to avoid the above-mentioned ... 'LJxe4
trick.
a b c d e f g h S ... dS!
My preference is to steer Black towards a
13 ... ~d7!
Samisch pawn centre.
Again this move is Black's best.
5... d6!? 6.ctJe2 g6 7.0-0 ig7 8.ctJbc3 0-0 is
14.a4 0-0-0 15.c3 d3!?
also playable, bur White's position looks more
I slightly prefer this to l 5 ... dxc3 I 6.ixc3
pleasant to me.
lg7 17.ia5!?.
6.exd5 lt:Jxd5 B22) 7.lt:Jf3

B21) 7.lt:Jc3N has yet to be played but needs
checking, while B22) 7.lt:Jf3 has been the most
common reply, albeit from a small sample
range.
B21) 7.lt:Jc3N lt:Jh6! 8.~bS!? ~d7 9.Wf e2?!
The normal developing move.
7 ... f6N
The Samisch centre has been built! This
means that Black has a solid central structure,
while it is difficult for White to organize f2-f4.
I find it surprising that Black's last move has
never appeared in practice.
8.0-0!
9 ... ®e7!? is a safe solution. Black is perfectly
Less critical is: 8.'Llc3 CDb6!? (8 ... ie6
okay after: I 0.0-0-0 0-0-0 l l .'Df3 f6 l 2.'Dd2
9.'Dxd5 ixd5 10.0-0 ®d7 00 ) 9.ib5 (9.0-0
'Dd4 13.ixd7t Wxd7 14.®e3 ®c6=
'Llxc4 I0.bxc4 ie6= or I0 ... ie7=) 9 ... id7
10.0-0
Black should be careful though. The tempting
9 .. .f6?! is inaccurate after I0.ixc6! ixc6 l l.f4!.
Black gets a weakness on e5 and his piece
activity does not offer sufficient counterplay.
10.~xd7t
It is best for White to admit his mistake and
sound a retreat.
After I0.®xe5t?! ie7 1 l.®xg7 (11.0-0-0
'Dxb5 12.CDxbS ixb5 13.®xg7 gf8+; or
I I.ixd7t 'Lixd7 12.®xg7 if6+) l I...if6
l 2.ixd7t 'Lixd7+ Black is close to winning.
10 ... lt:Jxd7 Il.Wfd2 ~e7i

Black has a slight edge, although strategically
White's position remains sound.
Chapter 3 - 2.b3 47
13.CthdS IWxdS= Black has no troubles C) 4.i.bS

whatsoever; his powerful c6-bishop outweighs
a slight lag in development.
8... i.g4!
Less accurate is: 8 ... 4Jb6?! 9.ibS id7
I 0.ctJh4! The point of delaying 4Jc3 is to gain
a tempo for carrying out f2-f4. I O... \We7 This
is necessary to defend against IWhSt.
a b c d e f g h
Another popular continuation, which is
strategically well motivated. White develops
quickly, intending to take on c6 and render
Black's central pawn formation static. Then,
a b c d e f g h the usual plan with f2-f4 will be even more
effective.
l I .f4! 0-0-0 l 2.ixc6! ( 12.fxeS ctJxeS!
13.ixd7t 1.Wxd7!= 14.ixeS? fxeS+) 12 ... ixc6
4 ... 'Lld4!
13.fxeS fxeS 14.1.Wg4t!± White is better. (The
This counterattacking option is the best
hasty 14.ctJfS? allows 14 ... 1.WgS+ and the tables
one available to Black. Moving the same piece
are turned.)
twice in the opening can be acceptable if it
disturbs the opponent's harmonious scheme of
development.
s.i.c4
5.ixd4!?
Liquidating the strong knight immediately,
in the hope of playing a quick c2-c3 and
exposing the weakness of dS. This is how
matters can evolve:
5 ... cxd4 6.ctJf3 ctJf6 7.0-0!
7.ctJxeS? IWaS-+
7.\We2?! blocks White's development: 7 ... a6
8.ic4 id6! 9.c3 0-0! I0.cxd4 exd4 11.0-0
a b c d e f g h
bS 12.id3 ib7+
9.'Llc3 'Li b6 10.i.bS El:c8 l l.h3 i.hS(X) 7 ... a6 8.~c4!
The position is unclear; Black's centre is 8.~d3 happened in Wohl - Palac, Metz
strong and prevents White from utilizing his 2001, and here I like 8 ... id6!N 9.c3 dxc3
lead in development. 1O.i2hc3 0-0~ with the idea l I .ic4?! bS
12.idS 'i'lxdS 13.'i'lxdS ib7+. 8 ... d6!

8 ... d6N 8 ... 2'.b8!?
8 ... bS 9.id3 d6 was also fine for Black in The problem with this move is that White
Buchnicek - Cizek, Czech Republic 2008. obtains powerful compensation after the
8 ... id6!? is another interesting possibility. following sequence:
9.a4 a6 1O.aS!
10.0-0 offers nothing due to 1O... bS 11.axbS
axbS 12.'i'lxd4 bxc4 13.'i'lf3 (13.'i'lfS?! cxb3
14.cxb3 d6 l 5.'i'le3 ie6 16.'i'lc4 °1Wc7+)
l 3 ... cxb3 14.'i'lxeS bxc2 15.°1Wxc2 ib7
l 6.'i'lc4 dS 17 .exdS 'i'lxdS 18.'i'lxdS ixd5=
or 18 ... °\WxdS=.
10 ... d6 11.0-0 'i'lc6 12.'i'ldS! 'i'lxdS 13.ixdS
'i'lxaS 14.f4!
The stray aS-knight cannot come back
into play without allowing serious damage to
Black's pawn structure.
9.c3!
9.'i'lgS dS! 10.exdS h6 l l.'i'lf3 e4!? 12.'i'lxd4 9.0-0
icS l 3.c3 bS l 4.ie2 ixd4 l 5.cxd4 °IWxdS+
7., •• ,.,R
9 ... bS lO.id3 dxc3 l l.'i'lxc3 ie7 12.b4!
Intending to attack the a6-b5 pawn chain sR ~,,,,/, ~~--
~-J.B /,,,,,Y,
with a2-a4.
~.]:•~%-~.
12 ... 0-0 13.a4 bxa4 14.Ei'.xa4 ib7 l 5.°1We2
6 • • • •
15. '1W a 1 will be met in the same way with
15 ... dS.
15 ... dS! 16.exdS 'i'lxdS 17.'i'lxdS °1Wxd5=
5 .~. %•'" .~
4
s.. .ltH6! 3 g
~
!!,r,;f~• ~.
/;,,,,,, ~ ~
~
2~~~-tZJ~~~
It is best delay the ... d6 move, as in some
to
cases the opportunity for our ... 'i'lxe4 and ... dS
1 f"~ •• ~,~
trick may arise. f~ RVRM~
a b c d e f g h
6.ltJc3
After 6.ixd4?! cxd4 7.'i'lf3 id6! 8.0-0 0-0 9... ~d7!N
9.8'.el ic7 10.c3 dS! Black obtains a strong Here lies the point: Black prepares ... bS by
attack: 11.exdS e4! 12.'i'lxd4 ixh2t! 13.~xh2 putting the bishop on d7. This ensures that
'i'lg4t 14.~gl °\Wh4-+ Black's knight will be able to retreat to c6
without allowing a weakening of his pawn
6 ... ~e7 7.CDge2 structure if White decides to sacrifice a pawn
7.d3 0-0 8.a4!? d6 9.Ctlge2 ie6= Black is with a2-a4-a5 - in the style of the previous
intending to break with ... dS. note.
7 ... 0-0 8.d3! 10.f4

8.0-0?! 'i'lxe4! 9.'i'lxe4 dS+ The most testing.
Chapter 3 - 2.b3 49
10.'tJxd4?! cxd4 l l.'tJd5 b5! l 2.'tJxf6t ixf6 be overly enthusiastic and play this move
l 3.id5 '.~k8+ leaves the c2-pawn weak, immediately.
especially as Black can control c 1 with his l l .'tJxd4!
bishop. It is best to refrain from opening up the
a3-f8 and cl-h6 diagonals for Black. After
10.h3 prepares f2-f4 without allowing a knight l l.fxe5? dxe5 12.'tJxd4 cxd4 13.'tJxb5
invasion on g4. However, this allows Black to 'tJg4 14.icl a6 15.'tJa3 ic5t Black has
carry our the same plan as above at his leisure: dangerous pressure, while l 5 ... ig5!? and
10 .. .l~b8! l l.a4 a6 l 2.a5 'tJc6! l 3.'tJd5 'tJxd5 l 5 ... 'tJe3!? are also appetizing possibilities.
l 4.ixd5 'tJxa5 l 5.f4 if6+ l l ... cxd4
1 l...exd4!? l 2.'tJxb5 d5 l 3.exd5 ixb5
1O.a4 a6 l l .'tJxd4! (13 ... a6 l 4.'tJa3 'tJg4 15.°1Wd2!± intending
The pawn sacrifice l l .a5 'tJc6 is now inferior. c2-c3) l 4.ixb5 'tJxd5± is another way of
l 2.'tJd5 'tJxd5 l 3.ixd5 'tJxa5 l 4.f4 if6!~ playing, but all the same Black does not get
is fine for Black, who prepares to bring his full compensation.
knight back to c6 without loss of time or l 2.'tJxb5 'tJg4
damage to his pawn structure. The weakness of e3 does not compensate for
l l ... cxd4 12.'tJd5 the pawn minus if White finds:
12 ... 'tJxd5! 13.ixd5 ie6! 14.ixe6 13.icl!±
l 4.ixb7?! ga7 l 5.id5 ixd5 l 6.exd5 The only move, bur sufficient!
°1Wa5 l 7.tg;f3 §c8 18.gacl ifac7+ White's Instead, 13.°1Wf3?! 'tJe3 14Jffcl 1.Wa5 15.a4
weaknesses on c2 and d5 give Black a clear 'tJxc4 16.dxc4 (16.bxc4 a6 l 7.'tJa3 gab8+)
advantage. l 6 ... a6 l 7.'tJa3 f5t leaves White exposed on
l 4.ic4 d5 l 5.exd5 ixd5 l 6.f4 ic6!? the kingside.
(preparing ... b5) 17.a5 exf4 18.°1Wg4 ig5 13.1Wd2 (designed to prevent the queen
19.icl id7 20.:Wf3 ic6 21. 1~g4 id7= invasion to a5) is strongly met by: l 3 ... 'tJe3
14 ... fxe6 15.tgfg4 gf6!~ 14.m2 (14.gf3?! 'tJxc4 15.bxc4 [15.dxc4 a6
There are chances for both sides. l 6.'tJa3 ic6 17.gel f5+] l 5 ... a6 l 6.'tJa3 gb8
17.ic 1 f5+) l 4 ... Wib6 l 5.'tJa3 exf4 (l 5 ... h6!?
10 ... a6! l 6.g3!?) l 6.gxf4 ig5+
10 ... b5?!
It is instructive to show why Black shouldn't 11.a4
l l.'Lixd4 cxd4 12.'LldS bS 13.'Llxf6t ixf6 17 ... 'tJ e3!? 18.i,xe3 dxe3 19. 'tJ b1 exf4
14.idS gc8+ leads to the usual pressure on c2, 20.'tJc3
amounting to a slight edge for Black. 20.gxf4?? dS!-+
20 ... i,e6co
Reaching a messy position. Black would like
to bring his bishop to f2 via h4, while White
will hope to make use of his control over the
dS-square.
D) 4.f4!?
A thematic response, and probably the best

move in the position. White opens up the
long diagonal at the cost of a pawn, gaining
sufficient attacking chances in return.
4 ... exf4
We will briefly examine the provocative
Dl) S.i,c4, before moving on to the critical
D2) 5.'tJf3.
12.axhS axhS 13J~xa8
13.'Llxd4 gxal! 14.~xal bxc4+ Dl) S.i,c4
13 ... \Mfxa8
Here lies the difference; the position opens
up with Black controlling the a-file.
14.CLlxd4 cxd4 15.'tJxhS \Mfb8 16.'tJa3 'tJg4

17Jkl
s...\Mlh4t 6.@fl d6!?

6 ... CLif6 7 .'Llf3 ~h6 8.'Llc3 d6 9 .'Li bS
(9.CLidS!?N) 9 ... mds 1O.eS LtJe4 l l.d4! cxd4
12.ctJbxd4 id7 13.ixf7 ctJxeS was Lukin
- Shirov, Klaipeda 1988, an exciting battle
which later ended in a draw.
Chapter 3 - 2. b3 51
7.~f3 ~h6 8.~c3

8.d4?! ctJf6 9.ctJc3 ie7 10.dxcS dxc5
happened in Iskandarov - Antipov, Moscow
2011, and here White should have tried to
simplify with:
a b c d e f g h
11.ctJdSN 0-0 12.ctJxe7t ctJxe7 13.~d6 ctJc6

l-f.ixf6 ad8 l 5.~xc6 bxc6 16.ixd8 ie6
s... ~f6!
; -.ia5+ White has some chances to hold.
The most principled continuation: preparing
for ... d5 if the opponent allows it.
6.eS!
White chooses to initiate complications. The
chief merit of playing e4-e5 immediately is to
prevent the f6-knight from reaching the fine
g4-square later on.
After 6.ctJc3 ie7! 7.~e2 0-0 8.0-0-0 (8.e5?!

ctJg4 9.ctJd5 [9.0-0-0 d6 10.exd6 ixd6+]
9 ... d6 10.0-0-0 Be8 l 1.h3 ctJgxe5 12.ctJxf4
if8+ Velickovic - Antic, Yugoslavia 1991)
8 ... d5 (8 ... d6!?) 9.exd5 ctJxd5+ Black has a
fine, free game.
8 ...~e6!? 9.d4!?N
-\~'::::d5 0-0-0 1O.d3 ctJge7 was at least equal 6.ic4 can be met by 6 ... ie7!? (6 ... d6 is
-- :- Black in Liiva - Zjukin, Tallinn 1999. equal; Black will follow up with ... a6, ... b5
and ... ig4). After 7.e5 d5 8.exf6 ixf6 Black
9 ... ixc4t 10.bxc4 ~f6 11.~dS 0-0-0 has a fantastic game, thanks to the hanging
l 2.'fid3 ~g4CX) b2-bishop and a I -rook.
1___1r l 2 ... Be8 00 • An interesting struggle lies
_:___-_;:J.d. 6 ... ~hS!?
The knight is safe here, and also protects the
f4-pawn.
6 .. .CL\g4 7.ib5! 1s unclear. (But not 7.h3? ~g3 1 Uhf4 ~g5 12.gf2 ~e4 13Jff3 c4!+
'Llgxe5!+.) was close to winning for Black in Grosar -
Kupreichik, Ljubljana 1989.
6 ... 'Lle4!? has not been tried but looks playable 9.d4?! cxd4 I0.4Jxd4 itxe2 l l.~xe2 itc5!
A-.i.~·- ~-
too. l 2.~xh5 (12.d g6 l 3.e6 0-0+) l 2 ... 4Jxd4
13.~hl 'Lle6! 14.'Lld 0-0 15.'Lle2 (15.Ei'.adl
~ ///'/// ~':/,'/, /""/
itd4+) l 5 ... ie3 l 6.ita3 Ei'.e8 l 7.itd6 d4-+
s White was badly lost in Blatny - Serper,
7•iRiRi•i New York 1996.
Rll)R RR
4~./,./~-
9 ... ixe2 I0.~xe2 ~g5! l l.'Llf3!
6
sR •~R'S) 1 l .e6?! ie7!+ leaves White with very little
for the pawn.
11...~h6 12.~c3 0-0-0+
3RbR RtZJR Liebold - Graf1, Regensburg 1998.
2b~b~ -b~ 7.ic4 d5! 8.exd6 ixd6 9.'Llc3 (Or 9.~e2t
1~~tZJ·V~t~~- 11
/,,,,,Y,
a b
~
c d
/;,,-,/,
e f
~
g h
~e7 10.~xe7t ixe7 11.'Lld 0-0 12.0-0-0
ig4! 13.'Lld5 id6 14.Ei'.del Ei'.ae8 15.a4 h6!+
and Black maintains a valuable extra pawn.)
7.~e2! 9 ... 0-0 10.0-0 ig4
Now that the knight is on the edge of the
board, going for long castling is much more
interesting.
7.ie2?!
This is too passive.
7 ... d5 8.0-0 ig4
White now has a choice that is anything but
inspiring:
A bit better from White's perspective is:

7.ib5 d5 8.exd6 ixd6 9.0-0 0-0 I0.'Lla3
ig4 11.ixc6 bxc6 l 2.'Llc4!
12.~el?! Ei'.e8 13.~f2 'Llg3!!t The knight
9.'Llel!? cannot be taken as the queen will be trapped
Relatively best. on f2.
9.h3? decisively weakens g3. 9 ... ie6 I0.'Llh2 12 ... ic7
Chapter 3 - 2.b3 53
Planning ... Wd5 and ... Bae8. 7 ... dS!

13.IWel!N The only way to free Black's play.
l 3.h3?! should be answered with
13 ... iJS!+N, instead of 13 ... ixf3 14.\Wxf3 8.exd6t ~e6 9.~c3 ~xd6 10.0-0-0!
Wd5 l 5.Wg4 Bae8 16.§f3! Be2 l 7.Bd31We4 1O.l2ie4 commits the knight prematurely,
18.l2ie3 Bxd2! 19.Bxd2 Wxe3t 20.§f2 g6 and after 1O... ie7 11.0-0-0 Wd5 12.d4
21.Bdl l2ig3 22.icl! 00 , as played in Lyell - (12.l2ic3?! \Wf5) 12 ... cxd4 13.l2ixd4 0-0-0=
Palliser, West Bromwich 2004. the game is perfectly balanced.
s E ffl
.// /// -~
?els} ~t:;J•f//j
a;~ 'e' ..x:::// After the text move we reach the only really
7 ~-ii .. '{'A"j.
~A,;, ;~,
<t~ A }l~
?A,;, A :>///,0-
& & critical juncture of this chapter:
6 ftJJt i ~ I~i 1~;

5 ~ij; ~&"{, ;\0t ~JP[/ }Ji\
:;:;/::/: . :;-A,, . ,; .:;;!; ~;;;:;;:~ °'illlJ
4 fii- ctJ [~t .:~ ~ ;~y:J
3 li,A,~, )"1kif":: C ;
2 b ~- b fb; ;/i% b :;b;
1 ~~ )/Ji ~g:~
a b c d e f g h
LL.Be8 I4.1Wf2 \Wd5 00

With an unclear situation, where Black
keeps an extra pawn for the time being .
.-\n important thing to know in these
positions is that the sacrifice ... l2ig3 is on the
cards if White is not careful. A positional
rrap emphasizing that it is nor so easy for
\\"Thite to recover the pawn without some
concession 1s:
10 ... 0-0?! l l.d4! cxd4 12.l2ixd4 f3!
~ ;_ia3 l2if6! 16.Wxc5?
12 ... t2Jxd4?! 13.Bxd4 f3 14.\Wxf3 Wg5t
15. ~ b 1 ie5 happened in Philippe -
Wagner, France 2004, and now 16.Ba4! l2if6
(16 ... ®f6 l 7.\We3!) l 7.id3± would have
been better for White.
l 3.l2ixf3 t2Jf4!?
After 13 ... Be8 14.~b 1! (14.\Wf2 We7!
15.l2ie4ia3=; 14.l2ib5if4t 15.~bl Wa5~)
14 ... We7 (14 ... iJ5 l 5.Wb5t; l 4 ... t2Jf6!?)
l 5.t2i b5± White is also slightly better.
I4.Wf2! We7 15.ib5!±
White is ready to take on c6 and the
advantage is firmly in his hands.
11.d4!
Black's pieces on the d-file are White's Black now needs to play with extreme accuracy:
targets, but still there is a way out.
11. .. cxd4 lVthS!N

Insisting on the initiative.
l 2.4Jxd4?! 4Jxd4 l 3Jhd4 Wb6!

Attacking the rook and protecting the
queenside. Ir seems that then White cannot
even equalize, for example:
l 4.4Ja4!?
14.'.!:hd6 Wxd6 15.ctJb5 Wc5! Making use
of the f-pawn! 16.ia3! °@fe3t l 7.Wxe3 fxe3
l 8.4Jc7t ~d7 l 9.4Jxa8 E&xa8 20.ic5 ctJd5+
This is, if anything, slightly better for Black. a b C d e f g h
14 ... '\Wc7 15.'\Wb5t 12 .. JWe7!
This looks like the only equalizer.
8 ~-
~~ & ;illJJ,
•••
;:::;~ & :":~ &
~~
7 r~-~§f ~-J~•
~ 0;
Weaker is l 2 ... a6?! 13.ctJfxd4! 4Jxd4 l 4.4Jxd6t
6 ~
:;;fl(~ A i~.
~i;~ m~ '\Wxd6 l 5.E&xd4 Wc7 16.Wd2±.
s ..•. ~
-WH~Ji.~j f~;i;; ~ The same can be said of 12 ... 0-0?! 13.ctJfxd4!
4
fa";\~
~~. r~ r~ ~~ 4Jxd4 14.E&xd4 id5 l 5.4Jxd6! (l 5.c4 E&e8 00
)
3.b • • • 15 ... '\Wxd6 16.Wd2 '\Wc6 17.Wxf4 E&fe8

2 b~b- .b¥~ l 8.id3±, which is better for White in view of
1~
~ ~
/,,,/
~~~M
~ ~ his powerful bishops.
a b c d e f g h
12 ... ic5 13.ctJfxd4 4Jxd4 14.We5! (14.4Jxd4
15 ... ~fS!N '\Wb6! 15.4Jxe6 Wxe6 16.'\Wb5t! '\Wc6 l 7.ixf6!
A novelty over Lyell - Kafka, Scarborough gxf6 18.'\WxcGt bxc6 19.ia6 E&d8 20.ib7
2004, where l 5... 4Jd7?! l 6.ic4!± was ie3t 2 l.~b2 c5= is only symbolically better
played. for the first player)
Alternatively, l 5... id7 16.We2t should be
equal, while 15 ... ~e7 16.id3 a6 l 7.'\Wg5 h6
l 8.'\Wh4 t seems to surrender the initiative to
White.
16.id3
16.ic4?? id7 l 7.Wg5 h6 18.Wh4 ixa4
19.bxa4 ie5-+
16 ... id7!? 17.'\Wg5 h6 18.'\Wh4 ic6 19.E&dl
ie5+
Black has a fine game.
Chapter 3 - 2.b3 55
14 ... ~e7 l 5.4Jc7t ~f8 16.ixd4 id6 15 ... icS

l 7.4Jxe6t fxe6 l 8.~a5 ~f7 l 9.ic4 E&hc8 Weaker is l 5 ... a6?! l 6.axb4! (l 6.ixf6 gxf6
20.stb 1 §'.xc4 2 l.bxc4 e5 This is probably l 7.~h5t strn 18.~h6t stg8 l 9.axb4 axb5
better for White, though the game is by no 20.ixb5 4Jxb4 2 l.E&d7 4Ja2t 22.stb I ctJc3t
means over. 23.stb2 ~a3t 24.stxc3 ~a5t=) 16 ... axb5
17.~xb5 ctJd5 l 8.ic4 4Je3 l 9Jfd4!±, and
13.CLJfxd4! after planting his rook on e4 White will be
13.4Jxd6t ~xd6 14.4Jxd4 0-0-0= is okay better.
for Black.
16.ixf6 gxf6 17JWhst @fs 1sJWh6t @f7
13 ... ib4! 19.ie2 a6 20.CLJc3 id4
A tremendous move, designed to provoke a Here, the weakness of the a3-pawn makes
weakness in the white king's position. itself felt, but White can still pour oil into the
fire:
13 ... ic5 14.4Jxe6 fxe6 l 5.ixf6 0axf6
16.~hSt-t gives \X1hite certain pressure. 21.B'.d3!
21.ih5t stg8 22.E&d3 ie5 is less good as a
14.CLJxe6! queen exchange is threatened.
14.a3 allows 14 ... ~xd4 15.ixd4 ic5!
l 6.~e5 gc8 l 7.ixc5 ~xc5 l 8.~d6t ~f8 21. .. B'.hdS 22.Wfxh7t @e8 23.\Wh6 ie3t
l 9.~xc5 gxc5 20.4Jxb7 gd5 2 l .ie2 g5 with a 24.@b2 B'.xd3 25.ixd3 @d7 =
double-edged ending. 1l1e black king has escaped to the queenside
and the game is approximately balanced.
l 4.4Jxc6 bxc6 l 5.4Jd4 id7 l 6.V;1xe7t i:xe7
l ...,.ia6 E&hb8~ is about equal too. Conclusion
14 ... fxe6 15.a3! The variation 2.b3 against the Sicilian can
l 5.ixf6 does not work with the bishop on produce some interesting chess, but if Black
:i--±, in view of l 5 ... ~:,,J6. knows his theory he will end up at least
equal in most of the lines. I have suggested a
system designed to block the bishop's radius
by placing our pawn on e5, which seems
both thematic and challenging at the same
time. I think that the only really dangerous
lines for us occur after l .e4 c5 2.b3 ctJc6
3.ib2 e5 4.f4!?, as White tries to storm our
position. I recommend that readers study the
resulting positions carefully, as some accuracy
is required and the slightest mistake can lead to
a difficult game. By following my suggestions
I believe they will have no particular problems
in attaining equality.
a b c d e f g h
5 i
4 fj fj
Various 2nd Moves 3
2
1 ::
fj fj fj
cZJ~ Vi@ ~cZJ n
fj fj 78 .
a b c d e f g h
Wing Gambit
Variation Index
1.e4 cS 2.b4
2 ... cxb4
A) 3.c4?! 57
B) 3.i.b2 dS!? 4.exdS '\Ml'xdS 58
Bl) S.d4?! 59
B2) 5.c4?! 59
B3) s.lt)f3! 60
C) 3.d4 dS 62
Cl) 4.exdS 62
C2) 4.eS 63
D) 3.a3 65
DI) 3 ... dS 4.exdS '\Ml'xdS 65
Dll) S.i.b2?! 65
D12) S.lt)f3! 67
D2) 3 ... eS!? 70
E) 3.lt)f3 lt)c6 71
El) 4.a3!? eS! 71
E2) 4.d4 dS! S.exdS '\Ml'xdS 6.c4 bxc3 7.lt)xc3 '\Mias 73
E21) 8.dS?! 74
E22) 8.i.d2! 75
Chapter 4 - Wing Gambit 57
1.e4 cS 2.b4 6.d4 exd4 7.l'tJxd4 l'tJf6 8.id3!

After this gambit the first player is usually 8.4Jd2?! ie7 9.id3 (9.Wa4 id7 10.4Jxc6
struggling to equalize, bur Black has to be alert ixc6 l 1.Wxb4 d5! 12.~xf6 gxf6 13.cS a5
as he has several tricks to cope with. White's 14.Wc3 dxe4 15.adl Wd5 16.Wg3 Wxc5
idea is to gain a pawn preponderance in the l 7.Wg7 0-0-0-+ Huenerkopf - Chandler,
centre and quickly open up lines for his pieces. Erlangen 1986) 9 ... 0-0 10.0-0 4Jxd4
l l .ixd4 l'tJd7+ Hector - Kudrin, Palma
2 ... cxb4 1989.
Now we will examine A) 3.c4?!, B) 3.~b2 8 ... ie7 9.0-0 0-0 1O.a3!
and C) 3.d4, before moving on to the The point of delaying l'tJd2 is to develop the
immediate D) 3.a3. Finally, we will consider knight via a3.
White's strongest reply: E) 3.ltJf3.
A) 3.c4?!
\\?hire intends to build a wide central front by

-:ontinuing with d2-d4 next.
3 ... eS!
Black prevents White's plan and gains
,ufficient control over the centre.
-i.~f3 ctJc6 s.~b2
6.ctJxeS
a b c d e f g h
; ... ~cS!+
This excellent move renders White's opening
:- 2:,- entirely pointless.
:: .d6?!
This might also be enough for a slight
.,_,franrage, bur the following line looks
~,Jmewhat problematic:
58 Various 2nd MoYes
6 ... i.d4!N 13 ... ~d4! I4.~h4 ~xd3 15.Wf6t ~gs

The main idea behind 5 ... ikS!. As the l 6.C[Jf7 C[Jf5-+
following variations will demonstrate, White
is in great difficulty. 7 ... ctJxd4 8.i.e2
8.C[Jd3?! Wh4! and White's position 1s
In Eade - Appleberry, Berkeley 1983, the hopeless.
inferior 6 ... Wf6 was played.
8.C[Jg4!? C[Jf6 9.C[Je3 C[Jxe4 10.Wg4 dS l 1.Wxg7
7.ixd4 Wf6 12.Wxf6 C[Jxf6 13.cxdS 0-0+
After 7.Cllxc6? dxc6 8.~b3 Wf6-+ White is
dead lost. 8 .. JWe7 9.ltJf3
9.C[Jd3 dS!-+
The main point of Black's play is revealed after:
7.Ct'lxf7 Wf6! 9 ... ~xe4 10.0-0
7 ... We7!? 8.ixd4 C[Jxd4 9.C[JxhS Wxe4t The only move.
10.ie2 Wxg2 11.afl We4 12.f3 C[Jc2t
13.~f2 Wd4t 14.~g2 C[Jxal+
8.ixd4 Wxd4 9.C[JxhS Wxal 10.f4 s ~ B.i.B*B'll~~
10.id3 g6+ 1 •1.B1.B1.•1.
/ /~~
,,,/, -~ /,, ,,/,
10.C[Jc3 Wxdlt 11.C[Jxdl C[Jge7 12.cS ~f8

l 3.ic4 C[Je5 l 4.C[Je3 C[Jxc4 l 5.C[Jxc4 ~gS
6
:::/:::/
BBB
wM
~
";'.~ B
2/~ww· ~
16.d4 b6 17.C[Jd6 ~xhS 18.~d2 bxc5 51B B B B
19.dxcS ia6+
4 •t-~B~ B~ '.'..,,,'.'. ~,,,,
s _i: R.i.R'1fR'I)• 3B_B_BctJB

7m1n1n m1
IJ'l)R ~ R
6 _
2tB D~DtD
~-~;§ }:";\ ~~~- UXXJ~ Fr ~
~~~~ ~~ § '.'.,,,,,'.'.
/,, ,,'.'. ~ § ~$~ /;@';'.
s~
4
~ %~·
~ ~
~/,
~~-;{;,_A~-- A!/[!.,/_~_
w~
~:
~-/~-
a b c d e f g h
f~ Q ~ Q fQ '.~;ff;:~ I0 ... 'tJxe2t 11.@hl ~xc4 12.~el ctJe7
3 • • • • 13.~xe2 dS+
2 A ~~ (;ri;~ ~ A :"ff{{;
o
/'"/
~~ ~qi
hillX(':::::
w:~ o ioi
~/
It is clear that Black dominates the game,
1 ~lt:)~§~t~~~ and that his large material advantage should
a b c d e f g h eventually decide it in his favour.
10 ... ~fS 11.eS C[Jge7 12.id3 g6+ B) 3.i.h2

The desperate situation of White's knights
should seal his doom. For example: This is a logical developing move.
13.Wg4
Even after 13.h4 Wd4 14.Wf3 dS! White
3 ... dS!? 4.exdS ~xdS
won't make it, for example: 15.cxdS (l 5.h5 White is a pawn down and saddled with an
ig4!; l 5.exd6 Wxd6 16.hS ig4 l 7.Wxg4 inferior pawn structure, so he must try to make
Wxd3 1s.~f2 Wd4t) l 5 ... ig4! 16.Wg3 the most out of his slight lead in development by
C[Jxd5 l 7.ixg6 C[JxeS! 18.fxeS hxg6-+ trying to exploit the position of the black queen.
Both Bl) S.d4?!, B2) S.c4?! fail to do this 6 ... eS!? 7.Wff e2
adequately, but B3) 5.tbf3! holds some venom. 7.dxe5 '\Wxdl t 8.@xdl ctJg4 9.@e2 4Jc6
5.a3?! transposes to variation D 11 - see 10.ctJf3 (10.f4 i.c5 l l.ctJf3 ctJf2 12.Eigl ctJe4
below. 13.E&h 1 i.g4+) 10 ... i.cS l 1.axb4 4Jxb4+
Bl) S.d4?!
7 ... e4 8.c4 bxc3 9.ttJxc3 WffaS 10.f3 tbc6

a b c d e f g h 11.WibS exf3 12.tbxf3 a6 13.WffxaS tbxaS
Blocking the bishop like this cannot be 14.0-0-0 .iifS 15.~el t .iie7 16.~eS tbb3t
::ood. 17.@dl tbg4!+
White was a clear pawn down without
5.. .tbf6 6.a3 anything in return, Jakubiec - Oral, Czech
G.c4?! bxd 7. 1~hd 'IWaS!? This is the best Republic 1995.
~quare for the queen; enabling Black to stop
in early liquidation in the centre by d4-d5 B2) S.c4?!
itter ... e6 is played. 8.i.c4 (8.d5 e5!+) 8 ... e6
_·,.:~ge2 i.e7 10.0-0 0-0
a b c d e f g h
· .·~b3 (l l.ctJf4?? has been played several
- -:~;:-s. but it should lose instantly to
. i'c7!N) 11 ... ftJ bd7+
s... hxc3! k 12.CDxdS t2Jxd5 13.WfxdS _

5 ... We4t is a rather adventurous chec . 13.ixd5 E;d8 14.~e2 Wxd5 l 5.Vfixe7 ctJc6+
Black maintains an edge according to my
analysis, but one good move is enough. 13 ... WfxdS 14.~xdS t2Jc6+
White does not have enough compensation
6.CDxc3 WlaS! for the pawn.
The point of having the queen on a5 is to
avoid drawish liquidations in the centre by an B3) S.t2Jf3!
early d2-d4-d5 advance.
This is the best move, after which White has
aood chances to equalize.
7.~c4N ~ , b
7.ctJf3 ltJf6 8.Wb3 e6 9.ib5t id7! l0.ii'.,xd7T

c2'ibxd7+ l 1.Wxb7?? §'.b8-+ s... t2Jf6 6.a3!
The cramping pawn on b4 has to be
liquidated.
Much weaker is 6.c4?! bxc3 7.ctJxc3 when

play will transpose to the previous variation:
7 .. .\Wa5!+ is again the best square for the
queen.
6 ... eS!?
A clear-cut way of playing, trying to
accelerate development by returning the pawn.
I d ont, 1·k ~a4

1 e 6 ... ~ 0
7.ie2! (7.axb4? We4H)
7 ... e6 due to 8.axb4!, when we cannot. tak~
back: 8 ... ixb4?? is a blunder due to 9.ixf6.
gxf6 10.c3! and Black loses a piece.
7.axb4!
The most testing.
Instead, 7.c4?! We6 8.4Jxe5 4Jfd7 is better for 7 ... ~xb4 8.~xeS ctJ c6!
Black. 8 ... 4Jbd7 9.ic3 0-0 10.ixb4 We4t l l.ie2
Wxb4 12.0-0 b6 13.d Wd6 14.d4 ib7= is
7.ixeS 4Jc6! 8.ixf6 We6t 9.We2 gxf6 10.axb4 less sharp.
~xb4 l l .4Ja3 icS! Preventing 8d4. 12.d4
0
ie7 Black's chances look slightly superior in

this ending. One important point to note is:
13.c3
5
4
3 ~~
2
1 ¥M:'.
a b c d e f g h
~ 5 ... Wb3! 14.Wd2 ltJdS 15.ic4 Wxd 16.0-0

~\:d2 l 7.4Jxd2 ie6 18.8 bS ~d7 Black is at
.::-1st equal.
:=:nally, 7.4Jxe5 4Jc6 8.4Jc4 ~g4 9.f.3 ~e6

~ ,:1_a,'{b4 8xb4 11.ltJc3 Wds
a b c d e f g h
:.>~e3 a613.i~bl icS 14.ia3 '~d6 15.lxb4 16... f4 17.gxf4 ~xf4 18.El:a4 ~f6 19.0-0
~:,:b4 16.ibSt ~e7+ was better for Black @h8CX)
:-. Zhdanenia - Florea, corr. 2007, although With an unclear position.
·:::·hire eventually managed to dra\v.
:_~.:r 7.axb4!, a logical line of play runs:

C) 3.d4 dS
The two major continuations are Cl) 4.exdS

and C2) 4.eS.
Cl) 4.exdS
9 ... ~xb4:I:
Black must be careful to maintain his plus,
as White starts to expand his position.
a b c d e f g h
White wishes to carry out the a2-a3 idea I0.h3 ~hS
without wasting a tempo on ib2 - as in the 10 ... ixf3!? l l.ixf3 ~d7+
relevant variations featured under 3.ib2.
However, it should not flourish against correct 1I.c4
defence: 11.c3 ie7 12.c4 ~d8 13.ctJc3 0-0+
4 .. .lDf6! s.a3!?
5.ibSt? id7 (5 ... ctJbd7!?+) 6.ic4 ig4
7.f3 ifS 8.a3 ctJxdS 9.axb4 ctJxb4 10.ctJa3 e6
l l.ctJe2 ie7 12.0-0 0-0 13.c3 ctJd5 14.ib3
7.,
s
•• ,.,
i:R R•R
R4)Ri• R
~~
:•:di·~-,
6
ctJc6+ Ozsvath - Varnusz, Hungary 1973.
s ... ~xdS!? 6.lDf3 R R3L1 r,,,{

White has to continue this way.
3R R RltJRtJ
6.axb4 e5+ is excellent for Black. 2 R Ril~tJR
6 ... ~g47.~e2
1 ~~~~VRrt~
Once again, 7.axb4 is met by 7 ... e5+. a b c d e f g h
1I...~d8!
l l...~d7 12.g4! ig6 13.gS ctJe4 14.dS exd5
15.cxdS left Black with nothing better than a
draw after l 5 ... '\Wxh3 16.dxc6 id6= in Teufel
- Freise, Koenigsfeld 1969.
12.g4!? ~g6 13.gS

l 3.d5!? exd5 14.g5 0-0!+
a b c d e f g h
s.. :~h6!
By hitting the sensmve point in White's
camp, Black disrupts his opponent's plan.
6.~e3
After 6.4Je2? ig4!? 7.f3 if5 White's
I4.d5 ttJe7+ position is riddled with weaknesses, and he
When I first looked at this position, some can hardly develop: 8.g4 (8.a,xb4 4Jxb4 9.4Ja3
programs disagreed with my assessment here. :Sk8 10.4Jf4 4Jxc2t l l.4Jxc2 ixc2 12.4Jxd5
For example, Deep Junior in those old times Wb3!-+) 8 ... ig6 9.h4 (9.axb4 4Jxb4 10.4Ja3
:iked White, but it appears to me that White's 2c8 11.d 4Jd3t 12.~d2 Wc6!-+) 9 ... h5+
~ingside has been weakened for not much. In
my case he is a pawn down, so Black should 6 ... ~fS
=1e much better. 6 ... 4Jh6?! is not so good due to: 7.axb4
(7.ixh6? Wxd4!-+) 7 ... Wxb4t 8.c3! Wb2
C2) 4.eS 9.2a3! 00
1..__Jne of the main ideas behind the gambit:

\\'hire wishes to play a2-a3, and after ... bxa3,
i=xa3, exchange dark-squared bishops on the
1J-f8 diagonal. He will then make use of both
:he bind offered by the wedge on e5 and his
~ood bishop on d3 to obtain attacking chances
:in the kingside.
-1 .• .ct:k6 5.a3
White has no good waiting move and must
;iroceed with a2-a3 immediately.
a b c d e f g h
7.Jid3 After a comparison of both sides' pluses,

The most common move in this position. Black emerges far ahead on the count. In fact,
The idea is to develop the king's knight on e2, it is difficult to detect anything positive in the
so as to leave the f-pawn unobstructed. White camp.
7.g4?! weakens the kingside without any real 7 ... Jixd3 8.~xd3 bxa3!
point. After 7 ...ie4!? 8.f3 ig6 9.e6 fxe6 By luring the knight to a3, Black prepares
1O.id3 ixd3 1 l .Wxd3 e5!+ White's position to carry out mass exchanges that will make his
was full of holes in Orienter - Gri.infeld, extra pawn significant.
Vienna 1946.
7.ltJf3
First played by no less a player than Alekhine
in a simultaneous game back in the 30's.
7 ... e6
9.Ctha3 e6
White will have great difficulty in proving
any compensation.
8.id3 10.lt~e2
This doesn't help White, although the 10.c3?! To cover b4, bur Black succeeds in
alternatives are unappetizing too. With the carrying out favourable exchanges anyway:
f-pawn blocked and f5 securely in Black's
hands, White doesn't have the slightest
chance of launching an attack.
a) 8.axb4?! is simply bad in view of:
8 ... Wxb4t! 9.'Llbd2 (9.c3? Wb2 10.'Llbd2
ia3!-+) 9 ... Wc3! 10.ibS a6 11.0-0 2'.c8+
b) Alekhine's 8.a4 could have left him in an
awkward situation after the simple 8 ... a6N+,
or the interesting evacuation sacrifice
8 ... b3!? 9.cxb3 ib4t 10.ltJbd2 Jlc3!N
11.2'.cl ib2 12.2'.cS a6+, when the rook's
position on c5 is anything bur inspiring.
8 ... ixd3 9.Wxd3 a5! 10.0-0 Wa6! 11.Wdl
bxa3+
14.Wdl Wxdlt 15.~xdl ctJge7 16.ctJf.3 b5-+ and concentrate on central play instead.
Montheard - Fressinet, Auxerre 1996. I will present two alternatives: DI) 3 ... dS and
D2) 3 ... eS!?.
10 ... ~xa3 l l.gxa3
~-.i.··-~~~
l 1.Wxa3 Wb4t 12.Wxb4 ctJxb4 13.~d2 DI) 3 ... dS 4.exdS ~xdS
ctJc6 14J~hbl 8'.b8 15.ctJd ctJge7 16.ctJb5
J.~.
ctJc8+ achieves nothing, and White will be
mercilessly driven back. 8
1 ~'lm ~.,,.,"
J~j(/,~
5.f/i• .,~~
6 •.
•mm m
-l~
4
mmm
0
3
~
2 ',/"" ',/ ~l~
-~-%'""'/",,;:-;:::::(""/,/ '/;/,,:,,,/',,,,,/,
~mllJmiV~ii~M
a b c d e f g h
It is important to be able to deal effectively
with Dll) 5.~b2?! bur, as is often the case
a b c d e f g h
in this chapter, D 12) 5.CDf3! is the strongest
l l .. .lDge7 12.0-0 O-oit+ continuation.
White has only the slightest compensation
~-,)r the pawn. Dll) 5.~h2?!
D) 3.a3 A rather pointless manoeuvre, as normally

White would like to force Black take on a3 and
then develop the bishop in one go with ixa3 -
or even take with the knight on a3.
5 ... eS 6.a:xb4 ~xb4

The b4-bishop dominates the knight on b 1,
meaning that White cannot gain a tempo on
the black queen. White has little chance to
obtain even partial compensation.
7.~a3
7.ctJc3?! ixc3 8.ixc3 ctJc6 9.Wf3
9. ctJ f3 ctJ ge 7 10 .ie2 0-0 11. 0-0 f6+
a b c d e f g h Spielmann - Samisch, Marianske Lazne
, :ic: most natural follow-up to White's 1925.
.::-'--:-:-_bit. Black should avoid taking on a3, 9 ... ctJge7 10.id3 Wxf3 l l.'Llxf3
13.ltJf3c,o) l 1..ixg7 ~xa3 12.ixh8 CDbc6

13.~al ~xal t 14.ixal 'llb4 15.ic3 a5t
This is fine for Black. White's kingside pieces
are all on their original squares, while the
passed a-pawn is a dangerous asset.
9 ... lllbc6 10.'llc3 ~d8 l l..ic4 0-0 12.0-0
if5N+
Black will flick in ... a6 to stop any counterplay
on the queenside, while he has lovely control
over the d4-square. 12 ... llld4 can be met by
13.lllb5!?N, improving on 13.Ba2 if5 14.d3
l l...f6! a6+ in Day- Livshits, Canada 1994.
Black obtains a significant edge, as the
bishop on c3 bites on granite due to Black's 8.CDhS
compact central pawn formation. 8.'llc4 lllf6! 9.lllb6 ~e4t 10.'lle2 abs
12.ic4 'llf5 13.0-0 id7 14.afbl c;t>ds! 11. 'll xc8 Bxc8+
A nice tactical motif, allowing Black to
consolidate. s ... ~ds 9.ltJf3 ltJf6! 10.~e2
15.id5 10.'llxe5 0-0!+ has scored a quick-fire 2/2
l 5.axb7?? ltJd6-+ for Black on my database.
s...
7~,-f..r•t
1 c;t>c7 16.h3 ahds+
Black went on to win in Kuban - K. Lutz,
Oberursel 1989.
s ~R1.Be• ~~
"R'JiR ~. "•
~~-%%~-
6 "
sRll:JR ~ - -
3·j··-!~·
4
2
1
0,~~~~~z, R ,
~bt~~HbWfj
~~/uu,~.V~f ,,,/,./,~~
/,,,,,y ~ //,,,,/, ~ ,§,
a b c d e f g h
10... 0-0 11.0-0 ~es 12.d4 exd4 13.ltJfxd4
CDxd4N
The immediate 13 ... id7 is also good for
Black. However, after l 4.'llxc6 he should be
careful not to recapture with 14 ... bxc6 as in
Gulko - Pohla, Tallinn 1977, and instead
prefer 14 ... ixc6N+.
I4.ltJxd4 ~d7
Black holds a considerable advantage.
012) s.t2Jf3! 7.axb4 'Dc6! 8.ib2 (8.b5 l2Jb4!?) 8 ... ixb4

9.'Dxe5 We7N 10.We2 l2Jf6 l l.'Dxc6 bxc6
12.Wxe7t ~xe7+ gives Black the more
comfortable ending.
7 ... e4 8.'De5 bxa3 9.'Dxa3 l2Jf6 10.ie2 ie7
11.0-0 0-0 12.ltJbS
a b c d e f g h
; ... eS!
l 2 ... 'Dc6!?N
12 ... a613.d4! exd3 14.Wxd3 Wxd3 15.'Dxd3
A logical reaction, trying to obtain some
ctJc6 16.'Dc7 gb8 17.ctJdS ge8 18.if3
,pace in the centre. We now have a parting of
:he ways: 'Dxd5 (18 ... ifS l 9.ctJxe7+ gxe7 20.ctJcS=)
19.cxdS ifS 20.dxc6 bxc6 21.ieS led to an
easy draw for White in Meissen - Dias, corr.
6.axb4
This is what most people would probably 2012.
?lay, but it is not clear what White's best 13.d4 exd3 I 4.ixd3!
:iption is. The difference is that now l 4.Wxd3?! is
simply worse for White after I 4 ... Wxd3
,_,.c4!? 15.ixd3 gd8 16.gfdl id7+.
:\ more intriguing choice, though I prefer 14 ... l2Jb4!? 15.ib 1
15.'Dxa7 'Dxd3 16.ctJxc8 gxc8 17.ctJxd3
Black after the following sequence.
gxc4 18.Wb3 Wd5 19.ga7 gc7 20.WxdS
ctJxdS 21.ieS gd7 22.gb 1 f6 23.id4 gb8+
Black is still a pawn up, and it is not so easy
for White to draw.
15 ... a6 16.Wb3 ic5 17.ik3 a5! 18.ib2 ge8
l 9.Wg3 ga6!+
Although the strong bS-knight partially
compensates for White's pawn deficit, Black
undoubtedly has the better chances.
6 ... ~xb4
a b c d e f g h Another critical position for the evaluation
' ... ~d8! 7.ib2 of the whole system has arisen.
b) 8.ixa3! 'Llc6 9.c4! ®d8 10.\Wbl! 'Llge7

1 l.id3 f5 12.ixe7 \Wxe7 13.ixfS ixf5
14.\WxfS \Wt; was equal in Bronstein -
Benko, Moscow 1949.
8.'Lib5
The logical follow-up to the previous move,
but Black has a fantastic reply:
7.c3!?
An interesting try, but even after this Black
has the more pleasant game.
7.ia3 ixa3 8.gxa3 (8.'Llxa3 'Llf6 9.'Lib5

®d8!+) 8 ... 'Llc6 9.'Llc3 ®d6 10.'Llb5 ®e7+ was
8 ... 0-0!!
at least slightly better for Black in Podgorny -
Boldly sacrificing a rook for the initiative.
Pachman, Prague 1953.
9.'Llc7 \Wc5! 10.'Llxa8 e4! 11.'Llgl 'Llg4!
l 2.'Llh3
7.'Lla3?!
l 2.®e2 'Llc6 l 3.c3 'Llce5!-+ A devastating
Initially chis looks promising for White, but
check on d3 is imminent.
it is merely an illusion. Black should opt for:
12 ... d 13.ie2N
7 ... 'Llf6!
l 3.id3? ®e5!N (l 3 ... 'Llxf2 was also
7 ... ixa3 gives White a choice of recapture:
sufficient in Madsen - Barfoed, corr. 1994)
a) 8.gxa3?! 'Llc6 9.c4 ®d6 10.ge3 'Llge7
l 4.ia3 ixd2t! l 5.<~e2 'Llxf2! l 6.'Llxf2
l l.ia3 ®c7 12.id3 This was Lamothe -
\Wf4!!-+
Fairclough, Novi Sad (ol) 1990, and now:
13 ... exd2t 14.ixd2 gd8 15.0-0
l 5.id3 ®est 16.shfl ixd2 l 7.gxa7 ie3!-+
15 ... gxd2 16.ixg4 gxdl 17.gfxdl \Wf8!
l 8.ixc8 ®xc8 l 9.gxa7 ic5 20.gaal 'Lla6
21.gdS h6 22.gadl shh7 23.gd8 \Wf5+
White can hardly hope to survive; his forces
are simply too uncoordinated. I think chat,
in light of the above analysis, we can safely
consider 7. 'Li a3 refuted.
7 ... i.d6!
This has been tested in correspondence chess
and is standing up well to scrutiny.
A less ambitious solution is: l 8 ... ®xd4 l 9.ixb7 ®xal 20.ixa8 :Sxa8
7 ... ie7 8.4Ja3 ctJf6! 2 l .®b3 ®d4 22.ib2 ®xd2 23.ixf6 gxf6
8 ... 4Jc6 9.ctJb5! ®d8 IO.d4~ 24.®b7 ®d8 25.®f3 a5
9.ctJb5 ®d8 10.ctJxeS 4Jc6!? Reaching a level ending.
Black has returned the extra pawn, aiming to
overtake White in development. 8. ttJ a3 lb c6 9 .~c4
White receives a shock after: 9.ctJc4 4Jge7!
10.ctJ b6
a b c d e f g h
l l.4Jxc6 a b c d e f g h
l l .d4 0-0+
l l...bxc6 l 2.4Jd4!? 10 ... axb6!N (10 ... ®e4t ll.ie2 :Sb8 12.4Jxc8
12.®f3 id7 l 3.ctJd4 0-0 l 4.ia6 :Sxc8 l 3.d3 ®d5 14.ctJgS f5 was also fine
(14.4Jxc6!?) 14 ... ®c7 l 5.h3 c5 16.ctJfS for Black in Baum - Contrera Poblete, corr.
West I 7.ctJe3 id6! 18.ie2 ic7 19.ctJc4 2008.) l l .:Sxa8 e4 With a huge initiative for
®e6 20.®e3 4Je4 21.0-0 :Sfe8---+ K. Lutz - the sacrificed material. For example: l 2.ctJd4
De Firmian, Biel 1993. 4Jxd4 13.cxd4 0-0 14.®a4 4Jc6 15.®c4 ®f5
12 ... 0-0 l 3.4Jxc6 16.ib2 ctJb4 l 7.ie2 ie6 18.:SxfSt ixf8
l 9.®c7 e3
•• ~*•
13.ie2 ®c7 14.0-0 id6= was M. Jones -
Smyth, email 2007. The chances are more or
8
less balanced; Black's inferior pawn structure
is compensated by his greater piece activity. 1m1~ m1•1
• m1.m m
l 3 ... ®e8 l 4.ctJd4 (l 4.4Jxe7t ®xe7t l 5.ie2
~e8t; 14.ibS fd7+) 14 ... fcSt l 5.fe2 ixd4
16.cxd4 ®e4 17.0-0 ib7 18.if3 5--~--if·
6
~--~
3~-~--
-•~
/;,,,,,,
~
~
' , / ~ ;;,_: ;(/,,
/
~ ,/,
;if~ •~
~
--~
'//',:;;:_ ,,, WJ'~//f:

~
:,/,,;,'W
2 ~ ?}[j~/[j ~ (~
i~/,,,,,}'.wwt----/~"----"~:{~"
ff~ ~ ~g ~ §
a b c d e f g h
20.0-0 (20.fxe3 4Jc2t+; 20.dxe3 4Jd3t+)

20 ... ctJdS 21.®eS ®xe5 22.dxeS exd2 23.if3
ib4 24.:Sb 1 ia5 Reaching a level position,
although White had to be very careful along
the way.
a b c d e f g h
i
9 .. .1Ne4t 10.@fl ~e6! 25 ... ~aS

An instructive move: whatever attacking 25 .. J:~dS 26.f3 ~c7 27.~d2 gd5 28.gbl
chances White may have possessed have been 4Je5 29.iic2 gd6 30.fi'.el lLlxd3 31.ge?t ~c6
nipped in the bud. 32.gxg7 4Jc5 33.c4 b5 34.cxb5t axb5 35.gaS
•••'l)i~
b4 36.fi'.bS gd4 0-1 B. Ivanov - Yaroshenko,
7., •• ,., corr. 2012.
·'l)·_t·.
8 ~-
26.~bl bS 27.@d2 ~a7 28.f4 @d6 29.h3
@cS 30,gel aS 31.fS ctJdS 32.g4 ~d7
6 33.~e4 b4 34.cxb4 t axb4 35,gas h3
sB B • B White resigned in B. Ivanov - Mikhalchuk,
;.•//~i~1~~-
~ l JBt~wrP'B!wff1;
4
corr. 2012.
D2) 3 ... eS!?
"~" "~!1lt
1
a b
mv•@~n
" / ~!0' J,
~~
c d e f g h
?'.
l 1.~xe6 fxe6 12.ctJgS 'Wd3t 13.'We2 'Wxe2t

14.@xe2 ~e7! 15.ctJxe6 @f7 16.ctJc7 ~d8
17.ctJc4 ctJf6 18J~~el ~d7 19.ctJbS a6
20.ctJa7!? ctJxa7 21.ctJxeSt @e8 22.ctJxd7
@xd7 23.~a3 ~xa3 24,gxa3 ctJc6 25.d3
The correspondence player B. Ivanov has
reached this position as White in two of his
games - losing both. The plain truth is that
White has little compensation for the material
because Black has an outside passed pawn, and
a b c d e f g h
this fact alone is sufficient to tip the scales in This interesting move is worth examining in
his favour: more detail. White basically has three options:
4.axb4
4.ic4?! is not so good; the bishop move
invites ... d5. 4 ... lLlf6 5.d3 4Jc6 6.f4 exf4
7.ixf4 d5! 8.exd5 4Jxd5+ Vidmar - Filgueira,
Villa Ballester 1996.
4.lLlf3 d5!?N
This untested move looks good for Black.
The following lines provide a confirmation
of this assessment:
5.ib5t
Best according to the engines.
a) Weaker is instead: 5.4Jxe5 dxe4 6.ic4?
(6.ib5t ~d7 7.0-0 ctJgf6 8.d4 id6+) 8.~c2 d5 9.exd5 ~xd5 10.d4 ~c6 l l.~f3
6 ... ~d4 7.~h5 ctJf6!+ geSt. Black had a huge initiative in Polo Alza
b) 5.axb4 dxe4 6.ctJxeS ~d7! allows Black - Rivas Romero, corr. 2012.
to exchange White's only active unit and get
the more comfortable game, for instance: 7.d4 d6 8.ctJa3
7.ib5 ~gf6 8.~e2 (8.0-0 ixb4+) 8 ... ie7 8.ie2 ~f6 9.~bd2 0-0 10.~b3 ~c7
9.ixd7t ixd7 10.ctJxd7 ~xd7 11.0-0 0-0+ 11.0-0 ig4+ Reinke- Ostermeyer, Dusseldorf
After 5.ib5t, a logical continuation is: 1995.
8 ... ctJf6 9.J,d3 0-0 I0.h3 dS 11.dxeS 'lJxe4

12.0-0 f6+
White's position was just bad in K. Lutz -
Nehmert, Hessen 1991.
E) 3.ctJf3 ctJc6
This posmon is somewhat critical, because

it may also arise via the move order l .e4 c5
2.ctJf3 ctJc6 3.b4 cxb4. El) 4.a3!? is tricky,
a b c d e f g h
and we should be careful with our reply, while
5 ... id7 6.~e2 ~f6! 7.ctJxeS E2) 4.d4 is by far the most common
7.exd5 id6~ continuation.
7 ... ixb5 8.~xbSt t"2Jbd7 9.~xd7 ~xd7
1O.~xd7t @xd7 1 l .e5 ~eS El) 4.a3!?
Black holds the slightly better chances.
4 ...J,xb4 5.c3 J,e7 6.ctJf3

6.d4 d6 7.f4!? ~f6 8.id3+
s
7
A'I) ..t ~"* 11).;A
i..ti,ii
6
5 /i
4 ~
3 ~ lZJ a b c d e f g h
2 ~ ~ ~ 8 4 ... eS!
1 0M~~vw~ : TI1e most logical move: overprotecting the
pawn on b4 and gaining space.
a b c d e f g h
6 ... ctJc6 s.J,c4
Also interesting 1s 6 ... -2:f6 "'7.:'2:xe5 0-0 The natural square for the bishop.
5.ib5 ctJf6 6.0-0 CLlxe4 7.axb4 ie7 8.gel of l 9.2'.xh7 'Llxh7 20.'Llxh7 ~xh7 21.~g4=
ctJd6 An echo of the Berlin Defence? when a perpetual is unavoidable.
Denis Khismatullin has tried 5 ... bxa3, which
gave him a slight edge after 6.ctJxa3 d6 7.ib5
'Llf6 8.0-0 ie7 9.d4 exd4 10.'Llxd4 id?+
in Dotsenko - Khismatullin, St Petersburg
2012.
A possible continuation after 5 ... ~b6!? is:
6.ic4
6.id3 d6 7.0-0 ie7 was balanced in Bobel
- Glukhovtsev, corr. 2013.
6 ... bxa3 7.ixa3
7.ctJxa3? ~xb2 8.'Llb5 '1Wb4 9.°1We2 <iid8-+
a b c d e f g h
7 ... ixa3 8.CLlxa3 'Llf6 9.0-0 0-0 10.d3 d6+
9.ixc6 dxc6 10.'Llxe5 0-0 l l.d3 ge8 12.id2 Black has a small but stable advantage, in
f6 13.'Llg4 'Lib5 14.'Lla3 'Llc7 l 5.'Llc4 ie6 view of his extra pawn.
16.h3 ~d7 l 7.'Llge3 if8 18.'Llfl 'Lld5
19.~b 1 b5 20.'Llce3 'Llf4+ Black was better s.. .cDf6 6.~e2 ~cs 7.axh4!
in Windhausen - De Oliveira, corr. 2010, 7.0-0 0-0 8.axb4 'Llxb4 9.c3 ctJc6 10.'Lla3
although White eventually drew after a colossal d5 l l.exd5 CLlxd5 12.ctJxe5 'Llf4 13.~e4 ~h4
effort. l 4.'Llxf7 'Llh3t l 5.gxh3 ~xe4 l 6.'Llg5t ~xc4
l 7.ctJxc4+ was better for Black in B. Ivanov -
s:i•1.B•• ~~
1wiiRiRiwli
. .
Beecham, corr. 2012.
~,,,,/ /,,,,,~
R~R • R
6
5 -~-~~~"
4 ~~~-;:.~.
-~
5... 1~%6!?
~·.!~Ii!~
1
%
~~~~
0~-mef····/,,',(/~····%-/, .... %
~ •:
I like this rare move, threatening to force an a b c d e f g h
exchange of the b2-bishop by taking on a3.
7 ...~xh4!
Instead, 5 ... 'Llf6 6.'Llxe5 ~e7 7.'Llf3 ~xe4t
7 ... 'Llxb4 8.ixf7t <iixf7 9.~c4t d5 10.°1Wxc5
8.ie2 ie7 9.0-0 0-0 10.gel bxa3 l l.'Llxa3
a5 1 l.'Llxe5t <iie6 12.0-0 <iixe5 13.c3 ctJa6
d5 12.'Llb5 ~f4 13.g3 ~b8 14.id3 ig4
14.~d4t <iie6 15.e5 'Llg8 16.c4! 'Lle7 l 7.'Llc3
l 5.ga4! ih5 l 6.gh4 ig6 l 7.'Llg5 ixd3
'Lib4 18.ia3 ga6! 19.ixb4 axb4 20.cxd5t
l 8.cxd3 id8 was agreed drawn in Bobel -
ctJxd5 21.°1Wg4t V2-V2 was an interesting draw
Ovaskainen, corr. 2013, probably in view
in Alcala - Bernal Varela, corr. 2011.
8.c3 ~e7 9.0-0 0-0 10.d4 d6 Gaining central control and preventing ... e5.
4 ... dS! S.exdS Vlf xdS 6.c4

s i.R.t.~ ~~••
T The point of White's play, which should
~,.
5.~.%-~·
7 • , . - , /.~,·'"•
6 " , . , . , "lif "•
/,,,,,/,.
-~~8-.
more or less be enough to equalize.
6.a3 e5!= is good for Black.
3.~d;.i~
4
• f,J ••
6.ie2
This is playable, but is not better than the
usual path. Black may continue:
2 • Rif~jW(j 6 . ..lt:'if6
~'11~~-i&i
/,,,,,Y,
a b
/uu,~
c d
~
e f
//,,,,/,
g h
J
6 ... e5!? 7.c4! bxc3 8.Ct'lxc3 ib4 9.id2 ixc3
10.ixc3 e4 l 1.ltJe5 ltJxe5 12.dxe5 iWxdlt
13.:i:hdl ltJe7= is about to turn completely
White does have some compensation for the drawish. White's bishop pair offsets the
pawn, but I believe Black should be slightly pawn.
better. 1he highest-rated game between 7.0-0 °1Wa5!?N
humans to reach this position continued as To stop c2-c4 ideas, in preparation of ... ig4.
follows: 7 ... ig4 is the other possibility: 8.c4 bxc3
9.ltJxc3 °1Wa5 10.d5! (10.°1Wb3 iWb4!?N;
11.~dl Vlfc7 I2.h3 ctJaS I3.~a2 b6 I4.c4 1O.id2 e6 l l.d5 ltJxd5 l 2.ltJxd5 '1Wxd5
~a6 I5.ctJa3 Vlfb7 16.~el ~fe8 13.°1Wa4 if5 00 ) 10 .. .:1:~ds l 1.id2 ltJxd5
A draw was now somewhat prematurely 12.ltJb5 iWb6 13.Ei:bl e6! 14.ltJd6t ixd6
agreed in Gerasimov - Gromotka, corr. 2012. l 5.Ei:xb6 ltJxb6oo
One possible continuation is:
17.ctJhS?
White shouldn't be any worse, but I believe
Black could have improved earlier on.
E2) 4.d4
8.h3!?
8.a3 ig4! 9.ib2 e6 10.axb4 '1Wxb4 l l.ia3
iWb6 12.ixfS @xf8 l 3.c3 ixf3 l 4.ixf3 g6+
8 ... e6 9.a3 ltJd5! 10.ib2 ltJc3+
With fine chances for Black.
6 ... bxc3 7.ctJxc3 Vlf aS

f
We will briefly cover E21) 8.dS?! before 16.<iifl luge? l 7.ct'ld4 '\Wf7!+ Black's queen is
moving on to the correct E22) 8.id2!. powerfully placed and he holds a considerable
advantage.
E2I) 8.dS?!
a b c d e f g h
12 .. .ttJge7 13.ll)e4 'Wd8 14.ll)xd6t 'Wxd6
White wants to prevent ... e6, stabilizing 15.ih4 'Wf6 16.0-0 0-0 17.ixc6 hxc6
the central structure, but the advance will 18.E\:el E\:e8
be proven premature. This is not the best 18 ... ie6!? also looks to maintain an edge.
continuation, but I have covered it for
instructional purposes. 19.'WcS
l 9.ixe7 gxe7 20.gxe7 '\Wxe7 2 l.'1Wxc6 ib7
8 ... e6! 22.'\W a4 '\W c5+
A surprising retort, rendering White's
opening idea dubious.
9.id2
The only chance.
9.dxc6?! ib4! 10.id2 ixc3 l l.ie2 ixd2t

12.ct'lxd2 ct'le7 13.0-0 0-0 14.ti'lc4 'IWgS! 15.c7
ti'ldS 16.if3 ti'lxc7 l 7.'\Wd6 ti'lbS! 18.'\Wb4
CLid4-+ led to a disaster for White in Tempone
- Scarella, Chaco 1996.
9 ... ih4 10JWc1

Or JO.gel exdS 1 l.a3!? id6! and White a b c d e f g h
doesn't have a useful discovery. 19 ...ie6 20.ic3 'Wf4 21.lt)d4 lt)fSi/+
Black held the advantage in Shirazi - Bonin,
10 ... exdS 11.a3 id6! 12.ihS New York 1990.
12. ctJ b 5 '\W d8 13 .ic3 f6! Preparing to play
... l2lge7. 14.l2lxd6t '\Wxd6 15.ibS '\We6t
E22) 8.~d2! e6 16 ... ct'l b4! l 7.°1Wb2 (l 7.!xb4 ®xb4 l 8.ct'le5

[18.abl ®d6 19.ct'le5 b6+] 18 ... !d7+)
17 ... ct'ibd5 18.!d2 !d7 19.a5 !a4 20.Bel
ad7! 21.aa 1 !cG 22.ct'le5 2c7+ This was
Bronstein - Deep Thought, Palo Alto (rapid)
1992. Black is a clear pawn to the good and
has turned d5 into a fortress.
9 .. .cbf6
9 ...!b4 can be met by 10.ct'lb5!?, when
White has reasonable prospects.
10.~bS!?
This straightforward development should be
good enough for equality.
This results in a more static structure, but
with accurate play White should be able to 10.ct'le4 ®d5 11.ct'lxfGt gxf6 12.!d3 2g8!
equalize by utilizing his better development. I 13.Bb5 ®d7 14.0-0 ct'lxd4 15.ct'lxd4 ®xd4
looked at the following lines: 16.!e3 ®g4 17.g3 ®xdl 18.Bxdl was an
equal ending in Grabler - Wettstein, corr.
9J~bl!? 2012, in spite of Black's two extra pawns. The
Trying to prevent ... !b4, when Black aims game was indeed drawn some time later.
to remove one of the pieces that can control
d5. I couldn't find complete equality in cases
where White allows the bishop sortie:
9.1Wb3 is met by 9 ... !b4+ intending ... ct'lge7.
A continuation at the end of which White

stands worse is: 9.!c4?! !b4 10.®c2 ct'if6
11.0-0 0-0 12.a3 !xc3 13.!xc3 ®c7! 14.Bacl
'~d6 15.a4 ad8 16.afdl
a b c d e f g h
10 ... Wf c7 11.0-0 ~e7 12.Wfe2 ~d7 13Jffcl
0-0
White does have sufficient compensation,
but no more than that. For example:
14.~d3!?
Less impressive is:
a b c d e f g h
l 4.ct'le4 ct'id5 l 5.ct'le5
15.ctJc5?! ixc5 16Jhc5 (16.dxc5 gad8+)

16 ... ctJxd4! 17.gxc7 ctJxe2t 18.ixe2 ctJxc7
l 9.gxb7 gfc8! 20.ia5 gab8 2 l.gxb8 gxb8
22.ixc7 gblt 23.ifl ib5 24.ctJd2 gal+
I 5 ... Wd8!?
15 ... gad8 16.Wh5!? ie8 17.Wh3 might
allow White some attacking chances.
16.ixc6 ixc6 l 7.ctJxc6 bxc6 18.gxc6 Wd7+
Black has the better game, thanks to the
strength of his knight on d5 and White's pawn
weaknesses.
a b c d e f g h
I8 .. .CLlf6 19.dS exd5 20.CLlxdS 'Llxd5
21.~xdS Wt d6 22.~e4 ~g4 23.iJ4 Wt d7
24.Wlh2=
The game can continue, but the verdict here
is certainly equality.
Conclusion
The Wing Gambit certainly keeps Black on

his toes, but from a theoretical perspective it
is nothing for us to worry about. The earlier
variations in the chapter should all lead to an
advantage for Black, but after 3.a3 d5 4.exd5
Wxd5 5.ctJf3! and 3.4Jf3 4Jc6 4.d4 d5! 5.exd5
Wxd5 6.c4 bxc3 7.t2Jxc3 Was 8.id2! White
has some practical chances. Careful study of
15 ...%%8 I6.g3 the lines presented here will leave Black players
Preparing if4. fully equipped to handle White's trickery,
and will leave the first player with the rather
16 .. .CLldS I7.~e4 a6! depressing prospect of searching for good
17 ... ie8? 18 .ixd5 gxd5 19 .if4 Wd8 moves to merely secure equality.
20.ctJc7±
I8.ltk3!
18.ixd5 axb5 19.ib3 if6 20.if4 (20.d5?
exd5 21.ixd5 ig4!-+) 20 ... Wa7+
c3 Sicilian
a b c d e f g h
Introduction
Variation Index
1.e4 cS 2.c3
2 .. .cDf6
A) 3.d3 78
B) 3.eS ttJdS 79
Bl) 4.~c4 80
Bil) 4... e6 80
B12) 4 ... tt:Jb6 81
B2) 4.d4 cxd4 83
B21) S.~c4 83
B22) S.cxd4 85
B23) SJWxd4 e6 87
B231) 6.~c4 87
B232) 6.tt:Jf3 tt:Jc6 7.Wf e4 fS! 89
B2321) 8.exf6 tt:Jxf6 89
B23211) 9.Wf c2 89
B23212) 9.Wfh4 90
B2322) 8.Wf e2 hS! 92
B23221) 9.g3 93
B23222) 9.WfxhS 94
78 c3 Sicilian
1.e4 cS 2.c3 with pawns on e4 and d4, and also leads to

This is designed to control the centre by complicated positions. The weakness of the
playing d2-d4 next. It has been a pet line of d5-square is that little 'something' upon which
GMs Sveshnikov, Tiviakov and Rozentalis, Black can build his central strategy, and is an
and many consider it as the most principled important long-term asset for us.
choice after l ... c5. However, the truth is it
cannot lead to an advantage, because it neglects We will briefly examine our resources against
development. Also, after Black's principled A) 3.d3 before beginning our coverage of
next move, White is forced to abandon control B) 3.eS.
of the d5-square, which is already a strategic
success for the second player. A) 3.d3 eS!
For this section of the book I have expanded
on Jacob Aagaard's excellent work in Experts on I believe this is already excellent for Black.
the Anti-Sicilian, adding improvements where
possible. These improvements were not always 4.f4
forthcoming, but only because the original 4.CtJd2 d5 5.tLigf3 Ctlc6 6.g3 ie7 7.ig2
was of such a high standard! It would become 0-0 8.0-0 produces a reversed King's Indian,
rather repetitive to continually mention where where the extra tempo hardly gives White the
the repertoires meet, so this paragraph will advantage. For instance: 8 ... d4!? 9.Ctlc4 'Wc7
serve to give Jacob the credit he fully deserves. 10.cxd4!? (10.a4 ie6+) 10 ... cxd4 l l.'Wc2!
I have also written a series of articles on (l l.a4 ie6 12.b3 Ctld7+) l 1...'Lle8!? 12.id2
the c3 Sicilian for Chess Informant, some of ie6 13.El'.fcl El'.c8 00 With a complicated
which was appropriate to include here. Again position.
I do not want to make too many references
to these similarities, but have instead focused s B;\UU
:i B'l)~~fflB
my energy on presenting a complete repertoire 7 f~~ &
/•:;; • ~e1
::;~
• ra;; • ~
& ~~ &
against 2.c3 for the readers. So let us begin: 6 /, llfi)~.flf /,.
s~
~ ~
~:% w~
;:,j ~
,~
3.~m /~~r·/j·~-
4
2 A
/,,,,,Y
~~~/j~
~ /, / ,:%%
w~illXf fc«~ w~
, ~~/, /,~t ,/
OfQ:;,§'~
/,,,,,Y
~ f fi;~
fQ:;;~fQ:;;
#~ /,,,,/
~
~
a b c d e f g h
14.'Wbl?! (14.'WdlN looks better) 14 ... 'WbS
15.a4 f6 16.b4 Ctld6 17.bS?! 'Llxc4 18.dxc4
Ctld8 19.ib4 This was played in Sepp -
Yrjola, Myyrmanni 1999, when simplest
was 19 ... ixb4N 20.'Wxb4 b6 21.cS (21.'Llel
a b c d e f g h Ctlb7+) 21 ... bxcS 22.El'.xcS 'Wd6 23.El'.c4 Ctlb7
24.'Wxd6 Ctlxd6 25.El'.b4 El'.c3 26.aS El'.b8
2... ctJf6
27.b6 axb6 28.a6 Ctlc8 and White is clearly
The most challenging continuation. The
struggling.
attack on e4 prevents White's intended set-up
Chapter 5 - Introduction 79
4 ... exf4 S.~xf4 dS 11.0-0 f6

I consider White's best try to be: l l ... d4!? may be a better attempt to
complicate the play.
6.lt~a3!?
Instead, 6.eS l2lfd7 7.t2lf3 ie7 8.ie2 t2lc6 12.exf6 lt:Jxf6 13.~d2 ~d6 14J~:ael b6
9.d4 (9.0-0 g5!?~) 9 ... 0-0 10.0-0 f6~ leads 15.~xd6 ~xd6 16.d4 ~a7=
to a position where Black is at least equal. With approximately level chances.
B) 3.eS lt:JdS
a b c d e f g h
will give two possibilities against Bl)
4.~c4, and then move on to analysing B2)
1o... g5!? l l.ig3 g4 l 2.l2ld2 l2ldxe5 l 3.d4 4.d4.
cxd4 14.cxd4 t2lg6 15.ixg4 f5 16.if3 f4
17.if2 0-0 18.0-0 l2lh4 (18 ... if5 is another 4.t2lf3 is covered in the next four chapters.
interesting possibility, but White may be
able to claim a slight plus with the peculiar 4.g3 will transpose to the related line featuring
manoeuvre 19.:fk 1 ~k8 20.t2l b 1!) l 9.ixh4 g2-g3 examined in Chapter 6, after 4 ... d6
ixh4~ deserves closer scrutiny. 5.exd6!. For example, 5... e6 6.ig2 ixd6
7.t2le2 l2lc6 8.0-0 0-0 9.d4 cxd4 10.t2lxd4
and we have a direct transposition to variation
C2 on page 102.
Instead, 5.d4? leads to a much worse
position for White after 5... cxd4 6.cxd4 dxe5
7.dxe5 l2lc6 8.ig2 ~a5t!? (8 ... ie6+) 9.id2N
(9.l2ld2?! l2ldb4+ and 9.~fl? t2ldb4 10.if4
L. Rozentalis-Eliseev,corr.1990, 10 ... ~a6t!N
11. t2l e2 ig4-+ are both clearly close to being
lost for White.)
a b c d e f g h
80 c3 Sicilian
6 ... exdS 7JWxd4 ctJc6 8JWxd5 d6 9.exd6

~xd6
I consider Black's compensation to be
~~A~·-
sufficient for the pawn in this position.
8 a~..lL:e~m~. ~~ /..... /
7 w~ a ...... , . ,
;:A;;:A~ .~ / ... /
6 ..... B'l1~ . B. B.
sB~ BJ~~-0/
4 B & •. •
Wfj B B
~ ·/j~/!J~{ J~
•
Bl) 4.~c4 ~~Wfj ftwtj L.;;:.. , L.;;:
;;:~
....0~·%~ ~ i~FP
~ ~~~
1 ;?,,,,/ ~'gd ~~-j' §
Black has the choice of keeping his knight /u,u~ //,,,,/, //,,,,,,
in the centre with Bl I) 4 ... e6, or simply a b c d e f g h

retreating it with B12) 4 .. .ltJb6. In my view 10JWe4t!
both options are viable. Dangerous is I0.l2lf3 0-0 l 1.ie3 (11.0-0??
ixh2t) l l .. .Ei'.e8~, in view of the lurking trap
Bil) 4 ... e6 12.ltlbd2?? :c:i'.xe3t!-+.
However, even after 12.~d2 ig4 I3.l2ld4
This aims to transpose to our 4.ltlf3 main line. l2le5 or 12.~dl ~b6, Black is doing well.
S.d4 cxd4 I0 ... ~e6 l 1.ctJf3 h6 12.0-0 0-0 13.~f4

White's only attempt at deviation is as 13.ie3 :c:i'.e8 I4.~a4 ~f6 I5.l2lbd2 ~g6
follows: 16.:c:i'.fel :c:i'.ad8 17.:c:i'.adl id5! 18.c4 ie6~ gives
Black at least enough play for the pawn; White
has lost the strong d4-base for his pieces, a fact
which renders our bishop pair dangerous.
13 ... i.cS!?
13 .. Ji'.eSN 14.ixd6 ®xd6 15.Ei'.el (15.®c2
lg4 l 6.lLJbd2 Ei'.e2 l 7.®b3 ct:Je5 l 8.ctJxe5
~xe5 l 9.ct:Jc4 ®c7 20.ctJe3 ie6 21.~b5 Ei'.d2
22.Ei'.fdl a6 23.®b4 a5 24.®b5 Ei'.adS 25.Ei'.xd2
~xd2= should not worry Black either)
15 ... id716.®c2Ei'.xelt 17.ctJxel Ei'.e818.ctJa3
:2le5 19.®dl ®g6 20.ct:Jac2 ic6
B12) 4 ... ltJb6
I have chosen this to be our main line, because

I consider it to be the most complicated way
to play.
S.i.b3 dS!
I like this solid option here.
5... c4 6.ic2 ct:Jc6 7.ct:Jf3 d6! 8.exd6 ®xd6

9.0-0 ig4
9 ... g6 is also possible, and in fact quite
l-i.ltJbd2 ges 15.gael
theoretical, bur I am going to refrain from
15.b4 ifS~ analysing it here.
l 5.®c2!?N ®d5 16.Ei'.fe 1 Ei'.adS l 7.b4
10.h3 ih5 11.Ei'.e 1 0-0-0
lt8 l 8.a4 may have been the best try, when
: 3... Ei'.cS! 19.®b 1 g5 20.ct:Je4 ig7 21.Ei'.d 1
~ c4 22.ie3 Ei'.edS 23.ct:Jfd2 ®d5 24.b5 ct:Je7
: - ~oduces a tense fight.
l 5... i,xa2 16JWxe8t Wfxe8 17.gxeSt gxe8

l 8.b3 gS 19.i,e3 i,xe3 20.fxe3 gxe3 21.galN
21.Ei'.cl g4 22.ct:Jfl was played in Lazar -
~~ozul, Rogaska Slatina 2011, and here Zdenko
-:--_ould have chosen 22 ... Ei'.e2 23.ctJ3d2 ctJa5
>.~al ct:Jxb3 25.Ei'.xa2 a5 26.Ei'.b2 a4 27.Ei'.a2
::-' 28.c4 bxc4 29.Ei'.xa4 ct:Jxd2=. a b c d e f g h
82 c3 Sicilian
12.ie4!? 6.exd6 Wfxd6 7.~f3

This move, which has been played in a few 7.ctia3 if5N 8.d4 cxd4 9.ctib5 '1Wc6
correspondence games, has caused me a great 10. ctJ xd 4 '1W xg2 1 1. '1W f3 '1W xf3 12. ctl gxf3 ig6
deal of worry. White keeps open the option 13.ctib5 ctia6, to be followed by ... e6, hardly
of a direct a2-a4-a5 in some positions. looks worrying for Black.
l 2.b3 °1Wf6 l 3.ie4 ctie5 l 4.g4 ctixf3t
l 5.°1Wxf3 °1Wxf3 I 6.ixf3 ig6 l 7.ctia3 e6 7 ... c4 8.~c2
seems to give Black the more pleasant
ending.
l 2 ... °1Wf6
l 2 ... e6 13.b3 f5 l 4.ic2 ctie5N l 5.gxe5
ixf3 16.°IWel id5 l 7.ctia3 °1Wc6 18.bxc4
ctlxc4 19.ctixc4 ixc4 20.d3 id5 2I.f3
ic5t 22.ie3 id6 23.id4 ixe5 24.ixe5~
looks like a sturdier try, although White has
dangerous compensation for the exchange.
13.a4! ctie5
13 ... ctid7 14.d4 cxd3 15.ie3 ig6 16.ixc6
'1Wxc6 17 .ixa7 e5 l 8.ctixe5 ctlxe5 l 9.gxe5
id6 20.ge3 ic7 2 l .ctid2 ghe8 22.a5t led
to a White win in Ghysens - Tolstik, corr. a b c d e f g h
2012. 8 ... \&e6t
l 4.d4! ctixf3t This is the important move, leading to the
14 ... cxd3 15.ctibd2t looks unpleasant for loss of castling for White.
Black with g2-g4 coming.
15.gxf3 a5 16.°1We2 e6 17.ctia3 ci>bs 18.b3! 9.Wf e2 Wfxe2t 10.@xe2
ctid5 19.ctib5 id6 20.bxc4 ctif4 21.°IWfl °1Wg5t
22.h2! '1Wh4 23.CtJxd6 gxd6 24.ia3 gd7
25.gab 1
Black had an unpleasant position and went
on to lose in Pospisil - Tiemann, corr. 2010.
a b c d e f g h
11.b3 This direct move is less elastic than 4.'llf3,

l l.'Lia3 e5 12.'LibS 'lla6!~ but may transpose anyway.
11...eS 12.bxc4 4 ... cxd4

12.'lla3 ie6 13.'LibS 'lla6~ We will focus on B21) S.~c4, B22) S.cxd4
and B23) S.'Wxd4.
12 ... ltJxc4~
I am reasonably opt1m1st1c about our 5.'llf3 e6 6.cxd4 d6 may well be White's best
chances, favouring Black in the present option, transposing back to our main line
position: his king will be safe on f7 and he has repertoire.
two pawn islands compared to White's three.
One variation I have in mind is: B21) S.~c4
a b c d e f g h
1his can clearly be met in typical repertoire
fashion by 5 ... e6, which transposes to line B 11
above. For those wishing to avoid the relatively
drawish positions that arise in that case, my
recommendation is:
B2) 4.d4
s...'Wc7!?
The important main line runs as follows:
6.'We2 ltJb6 7.~b3!

After 7.id3 'llc6 8.'llf3 d5! 9.exd6 ~xd6
10.'llxd4 ( 10.0-0?! ig4! 11.~d 1 g6 is more
pleasant for Black), the simplest solution is
1O... 'llxd4!? l l.cxd4 g6 12.'llc3 ig7 00 with
a decent position for Black. His king will be
quite safe and, with just three pairs of minor
pieces left on the board, it is more likely that
the isolated d-pawn will turn out to be a
a b c d e f g h
84 c3 Sicilian
weakness than a strength. A relatively recent

game continued: s :i: ~~R•E
:::~ &%%/
. 0~
t~i & %~ &
7 1• • ~ 1• •
8 a~ ~.lL.~%~
~ It. ~-~ i~/4
/0:0: ... /a,
6 ( /11(///~L? %1'1•%%1
•
7 l~ & ~?% [&'~; & ':f;ii & ;;:ffe('

:;/ ... L .~ //~ . ~
~ ·~/·· ~:-
r•a~?% r•a1a
6 / . \ ~ //
~. . %~::
\~w( \~ -',~/ 5 ~] %l %l R
s ~.
ff ~%;:, [~
~~ .. ~~ . %~
~~f% • l:::%
/ffe; 4 RfiRR
4 mw~mm 3·~~i~lZJ%l
R /,,, .. /. /, . ,/. R
=
~ /~r!<:/i/,~//,,~<// /,
3 ff :~J~~ Lief:%
b m.m°iiffll b tll
2 8~. R .~.8~
2 ~~ltJ~ m:-M
R
~~ ~ ~ m:
/,,,,,Y, •.. ,,,,/, /,..... /
1 a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
10 ... ~fS!? 11.ctJa3
13.0-0 0-0 14.l2lb5 iWd8 15.igS (15.if4!N
l l .'Lld4 does not bring White any
lild5 16.ieS a6 17.lilc3 ie6 18.ixg7 ~xg7
advantage, in view of: 1 l...°1Wg6! 12.0-0 e6
19.E?.fel~ would have offered White more
13.'LlxfS (13.'LlbS?! lila6+) 13 ... iWxfS 14.E?.d 1
chances of keeping the equilibrium.) l 5... ie6
ic5 l 5.iWf4 'Llc6 16.iWxfS exf5 l 7.E?.xd3 'Lle5
16.E?.fdl l2ld5 17.lilc3 Tovillas - Perez Ponsa,
18.E?.d 1 0-0 19.'Lla3 lilg4 20.E?.fl me8= White
Buenos Aires 2013. Most accurate would have
has two bishops and the better pawn structure,
been 17 .. JkSN 18.E?.acl °1Wa5t with annoying
but Black's strong piece placement and better
pressure for Black.
development are quite significant factors.
a b c d e f g h
21.lilc2 a5 22.a4 g6 23.lild4 l2le5 24.E?.dl 'Lld3

a b c d e f g h
Black gets the precious dark-squared bishop,
7 ... dS! 8.exd6 ~xd6 9.ltJf3! and should be fully equal in due course.
9.cxd4?! iWc6! saw Black go on to win in
Voller - Firt, Czech Republic 1997. 11...a6 12. 'tJ h4!?
Also possible is 12.lild4!? ig6 13.f4! lilc6
9 ... d3! I0.~e3N 14.fS 'Llxd4 15.fxg6 'Llxb3 16.gxf7t ~xf7
1o.iWe4 l2:l8d7+ 17.0-0t ~g8 18.axb3 e5 19.lilb 1E?.d820.'Lld2
ie7~. The main thing here is to play ... h6 and
get the king to safety, so White should hurry:
s :i~j B•~
~ ,~ . it.J ~~
~-,,,~
1R ·m'l1Birl
6&R BiRiB
sR R'IJB B
4 Bl:tJB B D
3B~DiB B
2 b¥~ R DbR
~~
/,,,,,/
a b
~
;,,,,,,;
c d
~
/;,,,,/
e f
m:
~
g h
18 ... ~e7 19.~a4 f6 20.~d2 :§:a700
The position is difficult to evaluate, in view
of the total imbalance in the pawn structure.
B22) 5.cxd4
a b c d e f g h
12 ... ~g6!? I3.ctJxg6 hxg6 14.'Wf3! e6
15.'Wxb7 ctJ8d7
15 ... ~eSt!? 16.id !xa3 l 7.~xb6 CLid7 We will not devote too much time and space
: 8.!a4 gb8 l 9.~a7 0-0 20.~xd7 !xb2 to this move.
~ 1.0-0 !xal 22.gxal ~xc3 23.gdl gfd8
~--!.~e7 d2= is a more concrete line. s... d6 6.~c4 ctJb6
An independent try.
16.ctJc4 'WdS 17.'WxdS ctJxdS
Although the d3-pawn may appear weak, 6 ... e6 transposes to our standard posmons,
::-ie position is still very complicated. examined later on in Chapters 8 and 9.
18.h4 7.~bSt
18.ia4 f6!, planning ... 0-0-0 or even .. Jk8, 7.ib3!? dxe5 8.~h5 e6 9.dxe5 4Jc6 10.CLif3
. s not clear either. ~d3! 11.CLid ib4 12.id2 ixc3!? 13.!xd
86 c3 Sicilian
4Jd5 14J:i:dl ®e4t 15.~fl 4Jxc3N 16.bxc3 16Jkl!

b6!? leads to approximately balanced positions. White anticipates our castling manoeuvre.
In the endings that are likely to arise, White's
broken queenside pawns will give Black 16 ... 0-0-0 17.ltJa3
enough chances to play for a win. l 7.4Ja5 ~h6! is a fine point in our favour.
17... @bs 1s.b4
a b c d e f g h
7 ....id7 8.e6!? fxe6! 9 ..id3 g6 10.h4 ltJdS
11.hS 'WaSt! 12 ..id2 'Wb6 13.ltJa3! ltJc6!
l 3 ... ®xd4?? l 4.%k3!+-
14.ltJf3
As played in Kouba - Wassilieff, corr. 2012.
My suggestion is:
18 ... ®b6 19.tDc4 ®c7 20.4Je3! is better for
8 ~ ~•~
1.~ ~ /,,,,,~ ~s
/,,,,,Y,
White.
7•iR.i.• R Bi
:~ri,~,,
/,, , \, -~/;
4~R ~RR
R ~-~
19 ..ixbS
l 9.4Jxb5 ®b7 20.a4 fg7 2 l.~xh5 is
another position requiring analysis, but I don't
feel Black can be worse.
3m~a~a!~~
" 14%~~%~14~~
19 ...'Wb7 20 ..ic4 il.g7 21.ltJc2 El:c8
Producing a tense position with chances
~ 1~/fJtJ!li:.,,j[j,~ for both sides. What makes me optimistic for
?~
a b
~v~
c d e f
.: g h
Black is some X-ray pressure against g2, and
the fact that his own b-pawn shields White's
attack.
14 ... gxhSN 15.ltJc4 'Wc7
Intending to castle long. Originally
considered the position as slightly better for
Black, but things may not be entirely clear.
B23) s.Wxd4 The knight is redeployed to g6 to attack the

sensitive e5-pawn, giving Black an excellent
game.
8.~f3
Clearly this developing move has to be
preferred.
Instead, 8.if4 4Jg6 9.ig3 4Jgxe5!? (9 ... f6!?+

also looks good) 10.ixeS d5 11.ixdS exd5
12.°1We3 ie6 13.4Jd2 °1Wb6 14.°1Wxb6 axb6+ is
better for Black.
8 ... ~g6 9.0-0

a b c d e f g h 9.ibS?! °1Wc7 I0.ixc6 °1Wxc6 l l.°1Wxc6
Trying to develop some kind of momentum, (11. 4J bd2 b6+ is at least slightly better for
this move has the obvious disadvantage of Black too) ll...bxc6 12.0-0 f6! 13.fi'.el ib7+
bringing the queen out too early. As we will gave Black a clear advantage, thanks to his
soon witness, Black gets an excellent game by bishop pair and pawn centre, in Semeniuk -
utilizing the opportunities offered to harass Yuferov, USSR 1977.
Her Majesty.
5... e6
Now B231) 6.ic4 shouldn't cause us too
many problems, while the main move is B232)
6.~f3.
B231) 6.ic4 ~c6 7.1W'e4
11.~bd2
l l.ib3?! ib7 12.°1We2 f6! 13.exf6 gxf6
a b c d e f g h 14.4Ja3 ixa3 l 5.bxa3 4Jce5! (An improvement
- ... ~de7! over 15 ... 0-0-0 16.t2:Jd4! '2Jf4 l 7.ixf4 °1Wxf4
Timoschenko - Zaichik, USSR 1977, when
88 c3 Sicilian
after l 8.®c4!N 00 things are not so clear.) 13 ... 0-0

I6.CLlxe5 l2'lxe5+ l 3 ... f6!?N l 4.exf6 gxf6 l 5.t2'le4 0-0-0 00 is
my suggestion for those who wish to play for
a win as Black. Without an exchange of light-
squared bishops handy, White may be facing a
serious attack here. TI1e computer gives:
a b c d e f g h
This was Troger - Pock, corr. I 997, where

Black had a dream position: White has no
serious antidote to Black's looming pressure
against g2. The game continued: 17.~gS?? a b c d e f g h
(l 7.~f4!N would have been a better choice, I6.t2'ld4 t2'lf4 17.i:d4 '~:':-J4 18.:§'.adl ~b8
but even then I7 ... ®c6 I8.f3 :§'.g8 I9.~g3 l 9.g3 :§'.hg8 20.~hS '·r g~ 21.l2'lxc6t ~xc6
leaves White with an unenviable defensive 22.®xg4 :§'.xg4 23.i~d2 h5 24.ic2 h4 25.~e4
task after either 19 ... hS-+ or 19 ... :§'.c8!?-+.) White seems to be holding. but this line may
l 7 ... ®c6! 18.®hSt l2'lf7-+ White soon had to be susceptible to improYement.
resign.
14 ..ic2 d6
1 I.. ..ih7 I2.~e2 .ie7 I3 ..ih3! 14 ... :§'.adSNx is the last chance to keep the
I3.l2'lb3? l2'lcxe5 I4.l2'lxe5 l2'lxe5 I5.®xe5 position unclear.
®xc4 I6.®xg7 0-0-0 l 7.®d4 Vfic6 I 8.f3
:§'.hg8 19.:§'.fl :§'.g6-+ is a bad position for 15.exd6 .ixd6 16.'Llc4 ~f4 17 ..ixg6 hxg6
White, who has nothing in return for Black's 18 ..ixf4 ~xf4 19.~adl
strong attack. Here a draw \\·as agreed in Sandaogo -
Dempster, corr. 2005. I \\·ill give the following
variation for completeness:
8 i.l? ~;,,; i./ • •

7 ;,;,,,,%
~''.//
f~j_ if~
':/i''.;//
6
5
.;/,,../
~'I')~ ;;
,~.
' ~.
•
,%.
a b c d e f g h
4
3
2
1
•.
• ~-
8~·
f 0J
It~
8
~/
,/
::
/ /,,,,,%
W!i 2)8~ /
~~
//,_,,%
/'.
~ /,
a b C d e f g h
I9 ... .ia6 20.lt:Jd4 gad8 2I.lt:Jxc6 .ixc4 15 .ifS e4 16. c2l fd 4 ixfS 17. c2l xfS c2l b4+
22.\Wes \WxeS 23.lt:JxeS .ie2 24.gd7 gxd7 Black was much better in Galvao - Paramos
25.lt:Jxd7 :§:d8 26.:§:xe2 :§:xd7= Dominguez, Evora 2008.
The position is completely level.
10.ie2 b6 l l.ig5 ib7 12.ct'lbd2 4Jb4
B232) 6.lt:Jf3 lt:Jc6 7.\We4 fS! l 3.~b3 4J bdS+ is already an excellent position
for Black, featured in one of my own games:
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h 14.0-0 icS 15.~c4 h6 16.ih4 ct'lf4 17.ig3
4J6h5+ I went on to win in Trifonas -
Black's last move gains time while improving
Kotronias, Korinthos 1997.
:-iis kingside prospects. White can capture
·.,;ith B2321) 8.exf6 or retreat the queen
:mmediately: B2322) 8.\We2.
B2321) 8.exf6 lt:Jxf6
·x-hite must decide where to put his queen:

B23211) 9.\Wc2 or B23212) 9.\Wh4.
B23211) 9.\Wc2
~is looks rather passive, but it may be just

~~nable.
9 ... \Wc7 I0 ..id3!

This might be the only way to maintain
~:-:.rnces of equality.
_:i.lg5?! d5! l l.4Jbd2 id6+ 12.ct'lb3?

: .2.lxf6N gxf6 l 3.c4 is a better way of 11.0-0 b6
: - --"-:,ing, although Black maintains an edge 11 ... 0-0!?N is an interesting alternative,
:....~er 13 ... id7 14.ie2 0-0-0 l 5.a3 ~b8t based on the idea 12.igS (or 12.ct'lbd2 dS+
.:. ..:~ to his two bishops and better developed
and the d2-knight feels clumsy) l 2 ... h6
=-·~-irion.) 12 ... 0-0 13.id3 eS 14.ixf6 gxf6 l 3.ixf6 ixf6 14.ct'l bd2 dS+. By expanding
90 c3 Sicilian
in the centre, Black should be slightly better

- he has the nvo bishops and no apparent
weaknesses. For example, 15Jffe 1 e5 16.c4
e4 l 7.cxd5 exd3 l 8.®c4 ®f7 19.dxc6 bxc6
20Jhdl ixb2 21.®xf7t §'.xf7 22.ctJc4 if6
and it is obvious that White is struggling to
equalize.
12 ..igS! .ih7 I3.~bd2!

An improvement for White.
13.®e2?! l2ig4! 14.g3 4Jce5 15.ctJxe5 4Jxe5
16.ie4 d5 l 7.if4, as played in Westerinen -
Cramling, Alicante 1989, should be slightly
worse for White after l 7 ... dxe4N 18.®h5t
g6 l 9.®xe5 ®xe5 20.ixe5 0-0 2 l .id4 §'.ad8
22.l2id2 ig5+ although, admittedly, it is less
clear than I originally thought.
s i:B B ~-•B
7•.tB ~
"MIU' "B
.,
6 r~
L %~ '/$ ~ ~ , ,
Bi~~~ ~
s B, B,&B, B~
4if1B BBB
2 t~~-
3B ·~ B0B.
~~~
1 f@;
a b
B
~
c
BM~
~ /,,,,,/,
d e
f~q~
f g h
20Jfael a5! 2I.Wf g4 .ic8 22.~eS .icS
23.ci>hl .id6 24.f4! .ixe5 25.Wfhs g6
26.WfxeS Wfxe5 27Jhe5 h5=
Black's counterplay with ... b4 comes just in
time.
14.~xeS Wfxe5 I5 ..ixf6!N
l 5.f4 ®c7 was unclear in Ziffer - Da Silva B23212) 9.Wlh4 eS!?
Filho, email 2002.
This powerful move seems to tip the scales in
I5 .. .°1Wxf6 I6 ..ie4! Black's favour.
This is White's idea: opposing bishops on the
long diagonal. Black must make a concession 9 ... d5 lO.id3 id6! is at least equal for Black.
to keep his bishop pair. However, the text is simpler and more effective.
14 ... ixd2tN l S.luxd2 lud4 16.ia4 Was

17 .id 1 :§e8-+ clinches the issue immediately.
Another move that fails to address the problems

of the position is 12.ie3?, when 12 ... ie7
13.id4 ifs 14.'\Wf4 ®d7-+ was already lost
for White in W. Moser- Neumann, Germany
1988.
12 ... a6!i
Black is aiming for a solid centre.
12 ... hG?! is not as strong due to l 3.c4!N, which

undermines Black's central control. After
l 3 ... :§g8 14.cxdS hxgS l S.ixgS ®xdS 16.lud
°IWfS 17.:§ae 1 cj;>f7 l 8.ic4 t ie6 19.ixeGt
®xe6 20.luxe4 °1Wf5 2 l.:§e3 White has good
10.igS is met simply by 10 ... ie7, since compensation for the sacrificed piece.
l l .id3 dS 12.igGt cj;>f8+ leaves White in an
1wful state of discoordination. 13.~e2!?
White at least tries to make a fight out of
10 ... e4 11.ttJgS dS the game.
I have not been able to find any resource for
'·X'hite to challenge the idea that Black already Instead, l 3.ia4?! b5 l 4.ib3 lue5! l S.lud2
,rands better. , lug6 16.°1Wg3 id6 l 7.f4 ifs+ was fairly dismal
for White in Sobh - Hakki, Cairo 2003.
12.0-0
.-\pparently the lesser evil.
: 2.c4? ib4 F is close to winning for Black.

: 3.iid2 (13.Clld d4 l 4.ixc6t bxc6 l S.a3 iaS
: 6.b4 dxd 17.bxaS °1Wd3-+) 13 ... 0-0 14.cxdS
·'- as N. Kosintseva - Trofimova, Kolontaevo
:--197_
a b c d e f g h
92 c3 Sicilian
15.cxdS ttJd4 16.ttJc3 ttJfS 17.Wfh3 ttJg3

18.Wfh4 ttJxfl 19.~xfl h6i
White is obviously struggling an exchange
down, but on the other hand there are certain
drawing chances.
B2322) 8.Wf e2
a b c d e f g h
16 ... ie7! (16 ... id6 17.cS!! ixc5 l 8.g4! ig6

l 9.4Je6 ®e7 20.ctJxcS ®xc5 21.gS 4Jd7
22.4Jxe4 ®d4 23.if3 0-0 24.ie3 ®xb2
25.ig2 00 is a mess where White could be
just okay.) l 7.®f4 g6 (17 ... 4Jd4! 18.4Jdxe4
4Jxe4 l 9.4Jxe4 0-0 20.ie3 4Jc2 2 l.if3 ctJxal
22.§:xal+ leads to a position where White
might be holding, but obviously the onus is on
him.) l 8.4Jdxe4 4Jxe4 l 9.4Jxe4 ixe4 20.®xe4
d2 21.ixd2 ®xd2 22.ia4 gf8 23.§:adl ®f4
24.ixc6t bxc6 25.®xc6t c±if7 26.§:fe 1 c±ig8
27.®dSt c±ihs 28.®eSt ®xe5 29.§:xeS §:fd8
30.§:edS A balanced ending had arisen in Van
Enk - Tenev, corr. 2008. 8 ... bS!
Black tries to establish the knight on the
14.c4 0-0 powerful d5-base as quickly as possible. I have
14 ... ctJeS 15.ctJc3 if5 16.ctJxdS ctJxd5 always liked cases where tactical nuances serve
17.cxdS h6 18.4Jxe4 ®xh4 19.ctJxd6t c±ifs a strategic aim, and this is such an example.
20.ctJxfS ®f6 2 l .ctJd4~
8 ... ®c7 9.g3 b5!?
This time it is not even a pawn sacrifice.
9 ... d6 also comfortably equalizes for Black
in due course.
a b c d e f g h
T
10.ig2
10.WxbS ~xe5 11.~xeS WxeSt 12.We2
Wxe2t 13.ixe2 ib7 was level in M. Zaitsev
- Drabke, Germany 2005.
10 ... aS 11.0-0 ia6 12.~h4!?
a b c d e f g h
12 ... b4! 13.Whst
l 3.c4 g6 l 4.b3 ig7 l 5.f4 0-0= Shishkov -
Fernandez Vicente, email 2006.
l3 ... g6 14.~xg6 hxg6 15.Wxg6t
l 5.Wxh8 ixfl 16.ixdS exd5 17.ih6 0-0-0
18.ixf8 id3 l 9.~d2 bxc3 20.bxc3 ~xe5 00
: 5... <±id8 16.ixdS <±ic8 17.Wf6 gg8 l 8.ig2
i=xfl 19.<±ixfl icS 20.if4!N
20.~d2 bxc3 21.bxc3 gb8+ Da Fonseca -
Leite, email 2006 .
.:o ... <±ib7 21.cxb4
21.~dl gaf8=
~ l...axb4 22.ltJd2
22.ih6 id4+
.:2 ... gaf8 23.Wh6 gh8=
With a verdict of equality.
·:-i:·hite can choose to ignore the pawn with

B23221) 9.g3 or grab it with B23222)
1s .. Jks 16.lDd2
9.~xbS.
This position was reached by transposition
in Mamedjarova - Smirin, Baku 2010.
B23221) 9.g3 aS IO.i,g2
16.b3 icS 17.gxd5 exd5 18.ixdSt <±ih8
~ l).$xb5?!is now bad in view of 10 ... a4!
l 9.~d2 (19.a3 Wb6 20.axb4 Wxb4+)
: l.~e2 Wc7 12.~bd2 a3t.
19 ... id4 20.gbl gc5! 21.Wf3 We7 22.~fl
ixe5 23.if4 Wd6 24.ie3 gcc8+ gives White
no real compensation for the exchange.
94 c3 Sicilian
10.Wie2 aS!
The bishop is coming to a6. With a safe
kingside and a juicy target on e5 to pile up
on, Black seems to have at least enough for his
pawn investment.
11.ltJbd2N
The best move, although the position is
already worse for White.
Instead, l 1.c4 ia6 12.~dl (12.g3 transposes

to the next line) 12 ... l2ib6! allows Black a
double attack which ensures he regains his
pawn: 13.c5 (13.b3 ib4t 14.l2ibd2 CLlxe5
15.ib2 l2ixf3t 16.~xf3 0-0 I7.~e3 e5!+ also
looks awful) l 3 ... l2ic4+ White's position was
18.El:h4 Wf c7 19.~gS ltJe7 20.b3 ltJg6 dire in Deviatkin - Najer, Moscow 2007.
21.El:hS ~b7+
Black is much better: with such an awful After l l .g3 ia6 l 2.c4, the move 12 ... a4! is
rook on h5, White will hardly survive. bad news for White. l 3.a3 Trying to stave
off invasions or checks on b4. (l 3.CLlc3 ib4
B23222)9.°1Wxb5 14.id2 ixc3 15.ixc3 CLlxc3 16.bxc3 t2Ja5+
and I3.l2ibd2 l2idb4 14.CLlbl CLla5 15.CLla3 gc8
16.CLld2 ib7 17.ggl ic5+ both emphasize
the weakness of the c4-pawn.) 13 ... CLla5
14.l2ibd2
8 ~-•*~.,
7. ~,-
6j_ • • , • •
~~
5~ ~'!i)~i~
~ ~
4 ,mtJm mm
;;/ /,,,/,
3 r~~u•-~§;ru
•~?&~u
=~-M
2 ;;{!\% ~~_'\'W'J~f;;; 'f/fl(?:
~,,,,/ //,,,,,, , ~ ,,,; },,,,/
1 ~~ ~
Most certainly the critical test. a b c d e f g h
14 ... ic5!? (Also good is 14 ... l2ib6N+, when
9 ...Wfc7 I don't see a way out for White.) 15.h3 0-0
This is the point: Black develops with gain 16.gbI l2ib6 17.~dl CLlaxc4-+ White's
of time, and will have more punches available opening strategy had been a complete disaster
against the white queen to substantiate his in Poulheim - Walter, corr. 2012, and he went
compensation. on to lose quickly.
more than enough compensation, but White

might be able to hold.
15.0-0 'Dg6 16.~bl El:absi
7..i•iim •m!l)m
s
6
~~
~
s ;;•
~~__~~ID ~-···
/,,,,.\,,-~i
~,~
:ff~
~
.,
-~~ & ~
ru%•~
/,%~
'•~llf "m/, m
3-.
4 t
2 ~"[~
~ mctJm ./
"mS&~l~B
1 ~
~gR~/,§~ f:~\UftD: ~ //,,,,/,
l2.tDc4 ~cs 13.~dl o-o 14.~e2
a b c d e f g h
White is kept at bay. Black's position is
wonderfully coordinated, and recovery . of
his pawn is possible at any moment. I thmk
that Black has the better long-term chances
because, as soon as the pawn falls, his central
preponderance will be the most important
factor in the position.
Conclusion
This chapter served as an introduction to the

c3 Sicilian, and after l .e4 c5 2.c3 'Llf6 3.e5
a b c d e f g h 'Lld5 focused on moves other than the 4.'Llf3
l-1 .. .l2Jde7! main line. Black is in excellent theoretical
I like this redeployment, directing Black's shape here, and I hope the reader will ~e
..:--~
-~ aaainst the feeble e5-pawn. satisfied with my attempts to inject some life
b
into White's more insipid tries. In the lines
·: ·r11'te 1·s also struaaling after: l 4 ... 'Llce7 where White plays more energetically I believe
·· ~ DD L- .,;:\
:::.~?:ld6! (15.0-0?! ixc4 16.ixc4 ~xf2t I ofter a path to full equality for Black, with
-.~xf2 ~xc4 leaves Black clearly on top. He every chance to press later on in the game.
~ .,_, rhe better minor pieces and White is totally
~.,_ric - without even mentioning his weak
!'.\ a6
:<:'JWn. ) 1 )~. .. 'i..J.::, l 6.oiha6 lha6 17.'Ll bS
1
= ~G lS.c2ibd4 ixd4 19.~xd4 {chd4 20.cxd4
~ ::'St Best according to the engines. Black has
4
c3 Sicilian
a b c d e f g h
Rare 5th Moves

Variation Index
1.e4 cS 2.c3 ctJf6 3.eS ctJdS 4.'Llf3
4 ... e6
A) 5.c4 97
B) 5.'Lla3 98
C) 5.g3 ctJ c6 6.ig2 d6 7 .exd6 ixd6 8.0-0 0-0 100
Cl) 9.'Lla3 100
C2) 9.d4 cxd4 10.'Llxd4 'Llxd4 1I.1Wxd41Wc712.'Lld2 id?
13.'Lle4 ieS 102
C21) 14.1Wd3 103
C22) 14.1Wc5!? 104
Cl) note to 10.d3 Cl) note to 13.®e2!? C2) note to 12.0Jd2
a b c d e f g h
15 ... iJ6!N 13 ... b5N 19 .. JfacS!N

Chapter 6 - Rare 5th Moves 97
1.e4 cS 2.c3 CLif6 3.eS CLidS 4.CLif3 A) S.c4

The most logical and flexible development,
which maintains several options for White.
A time-consuming attempt to challenge

a b c d e f g h control of d5.
4 ... e6
This provides us with a universal system s... CLie7!
against c3 Sicilians. Ir is a solid move: Seeking to contest control of the critical
supporting the d5-knighr and preparing to d4-square. The main line of my analysis
casrle quickly. continues as follows:
At this point there are several less popular 6.CLic3 CLibc6 7.d4! cxd4 8.CLixd4 CLlxeS
alternatives worth mentioning. I will only 9.CLidbS CLifS!? 10 ..if4! a6! 11..ixeS axbS
make a brief report of what I consider 12.CLixbS .ih4t 13 ..ic3 .ixc3t 14.CLixc3 hS!?
essential, to arm readers sufficienrly for their 1SJWf3
tournament games. This chapter will cover 15.ct:JxbS ilb7~
A) S.c4, B) 5.CLia3 and C) S.g3.
5.d4 is covered in the next three chapters.
5.b4?! is an extravagant gambit which Black

does best to accept. After 5 ... cxb4! 6.c4 4Jc7!
7.d4 d6 8.exd6 ilxd6 9.ild3 4Jc6 10.0-0 ile7!
White has no real compensation for the pawn.
After 5.ic4 I have analysed the move 5 ... ct:Jb6!

in derail, concluding that Black has a good
game. However, in an ... e6 based repertoire
like the present one, it would be a waste of time
and energy to devote space to it. The simple
5 ... d6 6.d4 cxd4 7.cxd4 is a direct transposition
to our main line, featured in Chapters 8 and 9.
98 c3 Sicilian
In my opinion, it is obvious that Black gets The weakness of the c3-square and White's
enough counterplay in return for the pawn stilted development gives Black excellent
here. He has superb piece activity and fast chances. For example:
development.
22.~cl ~xcl t 23.~xcl ~c8 24.~bl 'Llh4!
16.cxbS 25.g3 ~b7 26.~e4 El'.cl t 27.@e2 ~xbSt!
l 6.cxd5 0-0~ 28.axbS ~xbSt 29.~d3 ~eSt 30.~e4
30.4Je4?? gc3 would spoil White's day
l 6 ... ~d7 l 7.a4 somewhat.
17.id3 d4 18.4Je4 ~a5t 19.4Jd2 0-0 20.a4
ct"Jd6~ is a complete mess. The white king is
stuck temporarily in the centre, while Black
threatens to take on b5.
17 ... d4 18.'Lle4 ~aSt 19.'Lld2 0-0 20.~a3

~ac8;;
20 .. J:ffc8 2 l.id3 ltJh4 (2 l...4Je3 22.fxe3
dxe3 23.0-0 exd2 24.~d6! is better for White)
22.ie4 ga7 23.b4 ~d8 24.~d3 f5 25.if3±
gives White a slight edge, so the other rook
move should be trusted more.
21.b4 a b c d e f g h
After 2 l.id3 the knight invasion 2 l...ctJe3! 30 ... ~bSt 31.~d3 ~eSt=
looks strong. 22.fxe3 dxe3 23.0-0 exd2 With a picturesque perpetual check.
24.~d6 does nor work anymore, in view of
24 ... gfd8+. Black coordinates his defences
excellently, by putting the bishop on e8 next
while maintaining the strong pawn on d2. Putting the knight on the rim may look
strange, but the idea is to control d6 - or even
challenge the d5-knight by means of ct"Jc4-e3.
s... 'Llc6
5 ... d6 is another sound way to continue, but
for the purposes of our repertoire I will rely
upon the text.
6.'Llc4
The only move to have any point.
After 6.ib5 ~c7 7.ixc6 ~xc6+ Black is

already threatening ... b5 and is slightly better.
An incisive move, leaving Black with a

pleasant position. The temporary weakness
of the c2--square is an important factor that
allows him to play in this fashion.
9.CLJe3 CLJcb4! 10.CLJxdS exdS! l 1.~d3 CLJxd3t

12.~xd3
s ~
7 w~"ri%~•
1
~,.,w~,"n
B.i.B<e•, . ~~
a b
6... ~c7!?
c d e f g
This move, covering dG and intending

h
6
5
4
n,n,r~ n.
B~. B,B
... b5, was the reason I decided to refrain from
3 B BiVBCZ)B%"'
=
,Jffering 5 ... dG. It leads to intriguing play, with
excellent chances for Black. 2 EJf~ B ~EJt~
bS 7.ltJe3 ltJxe3 8.fxe3 ~b6 9.d4 leads to
1-1 ...
1 ~~
~,,. ~ ~
?L1 L.J ~M
~
i position where White's play on the kingside, a b c d e f g h
='ased on the newly opened f--file, might cause 12 ... ~c4!
Black serious concerns later on. The Ukrainian 111is move is the point of the whole
C Yi Vladimir Baklan is a specialist in this line operation. White has to either undouble our
.,.~ White. pawns or stay with his king in the centre .
-.d4
13.~xc4
The obvious continuation. Black has no
After 13.~e3 b4! 14.b3 ~aG! 15.ltJh4! gG
:-cason to worry after: 7.a4 ltJb6! 8.ltJxb6 axbG
16.f41le7 17.ltJf3 dG 18.1ld2 ~b8 Black has
·'i.d4 cxd4 1O~cxd4 d6 11.ibS Jid7 = With
successfully completed his development and is
.:,Jmfortable equality.
at least equal.
- ... cxd4 8.cxd4 bS!
13 ... dxc4 14.0-0 ~b7
Black may even be slightly better at this
stage.
15.E!:el ~e7
15 .. JkS!?N+ looks like a good way to play
for the full point.
a b c d e f g h
100 c3 Sicilian
:iB Bffl,B/, /J~ White may continue with either Cl) 9.'lla3
7•1.a,~,.,
s
6
"~l [
L%~
[
%W{[
[ /}~/, .··.~
or C2) 9.d4.
Cl) 9.'lla3
BiB t[j B
: #Bf~{ ;,B~%.
~,~.~n,~
;:····/
~m~~~~~
a b
o/~
c d
i/Rl
e f
~
g h
16.CDgS! 0-0 17.CDe4 ilxe4 18.E!xe4 dS
19.exd6 ilxd6 20.il,f4 ilxf4 21.E!xf4 ~feS
22.@fl
The position was balanced, and t~e play~rs
soon agreed to a draw, in B0ntemp1 - Jurcik,
Stare Mesta 2010.
C) S.g3
9 ... ile7 ai
9 ... b6 10.ltJc4 ic7 11.Ei'.el (1 I.d3 ~b7
12.~c2 h6 13.id2 ~d7 14.Ei'.fel §'.ad8= was
also equal in Erenburg - Jakovenko, Oropesa
del Mar 2001.) l I...ib7 12.a4 ~d7 13.d4
cxd4 l 4.cxd4 Ei'.ad8 15.ig5 So far, this is Lupu
_ Florescu, Romania 1994.
s... ttk6 6.ilg2 d6 7.exd6 ilxd6 8.0-0 0-0

After liquidating the e5-pawn Black is
certainly fine, but he shouldn't relax.
equal, I would like Black's position in actual

play. The manoeuvre ... 4Jc6-e7-f5 is on the
cards, while White is hard pressed to find a
constructive plan.
I0.d3
In case of 10.2'.e 1 (preventing ... e5, as
10.4Jc2 e5 is quire okay for rhe second player),
Black plays normal moves and gets a nice
position: 10 ... b6 l l.4Jc2 ib7 12.d4 cxd4
13.ctJfxd4 4Jxd4 14.4Jxd4 2'.c8 l 5.~e2 This
was Deviatkin - B. Savchenko, St Petersburg
2009, when most accurate was: a b c d e f g h
13.'We2!?
,;
8 A friend pointed out to me that White can
7 i~.i.
..
already play 13.a5 here, when I think one
6 possible reply for Black is:
5
4
3
a b c d e f g h
15 ... ifG!N Putting the question to the knight
on d4, with complete equality. Ir is possible
to take this position a bit further: 16.Ei:d 1
~d7 l 7.~g4 gfd8 l 8.ig5 ixg5 l 9.~xg5 a b c d e f g h
h6 20.~e5 ctJf6= After the exchange of light- 13 ... bSN 14.a6 ic8 15.l2:k3 ctJf6!~
squared bishops, the white monarch becomes A complicated position has arisen, though it is
weaker, and this renders White's pawn not unfavourable for us.
preponderance on the queenside unimportant;
Black will always have counterplay by harassing When the pawn is on e6, defending the
His Majesty, one way or another. d5-knight, the following queen sally looks
rather harmless: l 3.~b3 a6! To prevent
I0 ... b6 l 1.ctJc4 ~b7 12.a4 'Wc7 a4-a5. 14.ig5 Ei:ab8 l 5.E1:fel (l 5.ixe7 4Jcxe7)
Black's position is harmonious, and his 15 ... Ei:fdS 16.ixe7
slightly superior pawn structure means that he
can never be worse. The next step is to place
the rooks on the central files.
102 c3 Sicilian
20 ... gS!?
20 ... iic6!?N 21.b3 a6!+, intending ... b5,
seems to lead to an advantage for Black.
21.'Df3 ~g7 22.l.Wb3 g4 23.'lJh4 ~c6 24.aS

@h8 25.axh6 axb6 26.~fel b;~
Black was doing fine in Chopin - Bertrand,
corr. 1994.
C2) 9.d-i
l 6 . ..lbdxe7!? Playable, albeit not forced.

l 7.°1Wxb6 '1Wxb6 l 8.<'.tJxb6 4Ja5! l 9.4Jc4 4Jxc4
20.dxc4 ixf3 2 I .ixf3 gxb2 22.gad 1 gxd 1
23.gxdl g6=
13 ... ~ad814.~d2 ~fe815.~ael ~f816.~g5

f6 17.~cl eS 18.l2Jh4 l.Wd7 19.l.Wc2 'Dce7=
Black has the somewhat easier game, though
objectively the chances are approximately
balanced. We will follow a correspondence
game to verify this assessment:
20.~e2
This may actually not be best. Obviously, \\}_::::: .::c.-
advantage by fisl-::::--.; =-·
20.ie4!N g6 21.gdl ic6 22.b3 ig7
23.gfel= would have kept the position equal 9 ... cxd4 10.'Llxd-i
by maximizing White's activity. Weaker is 111 __-,..::- -. ~ ~ .--__ .::_c,
~~ce7!?~
when, if an~-rh::-.; :-- c._· - . z..-.: :-. better. I
do not see ho,.·. ·:::·- -= --'-- .::::-.:::-.:.re threats
on either side ,~,~- :- : ::-- _-.: - : 3bck's firm
control over 2:; ., c.
This is the ~ :.:...- .::.:..- .: .: : :- .:-.z. :-:1ove in the

position.
12.ixdS ex.::: :- : -.,. ::re White, I

would ha\:: .:::- ~: - '<= \\·irh better
hopes of\\c.:..::-:· -; -- : - ---
a b c d e f g h
exploit this fact by creating a weakness on

g3 to pile up on. A sample line showing how
things might evolve is: 23.ctJd3 hxg3 24.f4
id6 25.hxg3 :SdS 26.if2 if8 27.ctJeS ctJd7
2S.:Sd 1 ltJxeS 29.:SxdS WxdS 30.WxeS Wd2=
12 ... ~d7 13.CtJe4

l 3.ctJc4?! icS is already a bit better for
Black.
a b c d e f g h 13 ...~eS
13 ... ih3 14.§:e 1 §:aeS l 5.ie3 geS l 6.Wf3 An important moment, with two possibilities
Wes (16 ... hS!?) l 7.ctJd2 §fest Black was for White: the older C21) 14JWd3 or the
certainly the one dictating events in Ziffer - fashionable C22) 14.WfcS!?.
Learte Pastor, corr. 2004. However, I would
like to point out that this is not an automatic C21) 14.W/d3
win for Black.
l 2.c4 has been played by Deviatkin, a man

who knows his way around in the 2.c3
variation, so it should be treated with respect.
12 ... ltJfG 13.ltJd id7 14.ie3 (14J~dl ie5=)
14 ... ieS 1 S.t~d3 §'.fdS 16.'.ffacl ic6 17.~e2
ixg2 1S.~xg2 a6 19.B This was played in
Deviatkin - Tregubov, Dagomys 2009, and
now I recommend:
8
7
6
.I
,.~
,. ,.~,. ,
*. ,.
_I .
a b c d e f g h
14 ... a6=
5 .i. This natural move has been tested in a
4 b .· number of games .
3 ~ ~bb
2 bb
g
wg ~b 14 ... :SadS adheres to the rule of placing a rook
opposite to the enemy queen. Efim Petrovic
Geller used to tell me how important this rule
a b C d e f (J
~
h
is in chess, and I must admit that this and
19 .. J'.hcS!N 20j;fd 1 (20.b3 b5!?~ or other teachings of his, no matter how simple
20 ... ihd=) 20 ... 3xdl 21.~xdl h5!? 22.~f2 they may appear now, significantly helped me
h4~ With good counterplay for Black. Once to evolve as a player. After 14 ... :SadS I analysed
more, the exchange of light-squared bishops several possibilities for White, concluding that
has weakened the position of the white king, none of them offer the first player any chances
and the advance of the h-pawn hurries to for an advantage. What follows is a summary
104 c3 Sicilian
of my analysis, comprising what I consider the d) l SJi:e 1 is by farthe main line. After l S... ic6
most important points for the readers: 16.We2 (16.Wc2?! h6!+) 16 ... h6! 17.id2 ctJf6
18.Badl Black has a choice of routes to a draw:
5
4
3
2
a b c d e f g h
a) 15.ttJgS?! g6 16.Bel ic6 17.We2 ig7+ a b c d e f g h
18 ... ct:Jxe4 (18 ... idS!?N l 9.4Jxf6t ixf6

b) 15.f4 Wb6t! 16.~hl! (16.Bf2 f5!) 16 ... ib8! 20.ixdS axdS 2I.if4 Wc6 22.axdS WxdS
l 7.c4! (l 7.Wc2 ic6+) l 7 ... ctJe7! 00 leaves Black 23.c4 Was 24.b3 ad8 2S.ie3=) l 9.ixe4 ixe4
with a good game; he would like to place his 20.Wxe4 if6 21.ie3 a6 22.Wg4 Was 23.a3
bishop on c6 and knight on f5. Wb5 24.icl igS 25.c4 Wb3 26.ixgS= The
players shook hands in Rozentalis - Akopian,
c) I also analysed the move 15.igSN which, Philadelphia 1994.
although untested, seemed logical to me. After
15 .. .f6 16.id2 fS! 17.ct:JgS ct:Jf6 18.Bfe 1 (l 8.We2 C22) I4JWcS!?
id6!+) 18 ... ic6 19.We2 ixg2 20.~xg2
(20.ctJxe6? Wc6 21.ct:Jxd8 ~xd8-+) 20 ... Bfe8
21.~adl Wc6t 22.Wf3 (22.ct:Jf3 ic7 00 )
8 • ~~~-~-
7 [Iii] • .,
6 ~~~,~
%%.. ~~. . // ,, . ~
0'~
~~~/~
5 ~
~-·
//
r:%'~ ~//:
~};
'?ff/ff; & if."%:.
,,,,~
~ - · //~
.... ,
4 • • • •
~ . ;:;~%,
3»~ ~ .% .... '/~°vJi~
2 0A ;;Q; t~
§r~
~
t~,-o,,§r~
;;Q:'g;:'Q;:;
1 . / /-,~)~{ ././ /
a b c d e f g h
22 ... adS! Black reaches comfortable equality. White's latest attempt, seeking to transfer
A nice tactical point is: 23.b3 (23.icl is play into an ending where he hopes his 3-2
answered by 23 ... :Sxdl 24.Bxdl Wa6! 25.ct:Jh3 queenside pawn majority might prove of
Wb6 26.ct:Jf4 ixf4 27.Wxf4 Wc6t 28.Wf3 significance.
ct:Je4= with balanced play.) 23 ... Bxd2 24.Wxc6
bxc6 2S.Bxd2 ixc3= 14 .. JWbS!
Houdini also gives this move the seal of 24.ixd4 Ei'.xd4 25.Ei'.xd4 exd4 26.®d3 Ei'.d8
approval, so I will not analyse any others. 27.b3 ctJc5 28.ctJxcS bxcS 29.Ei'.el ixg2
30.<j;Jxg2 ®a6 3 l.Ei'.e2 g6+
ISJWc4 Black has the nicer position, but with careful
The least committal in my opinion, but play White should eventually draw.
there are alternatives:
IS ... ~c6
l 5.f4 creates weaknesses around the white This centralizing move looks best.
king without gaining anything substantial in
return. After 15 ... ic7 16.~hl ib6 17.®d6 After l 5 ... a6 l 6.®e2 ®c7 l 7.c4 ctJf6 18.ctJxf6t
ib5!? 18.®xb8 )]axb8 19.ge 1 ic6!?+ I prefer ixf6 l 9.JJ4 e5 20.ie3 ic6 I slightly prefer
Black, if only slightly. The idea is simply White, as I don't like to have my pawn on e5.
.. Jffd8 followed by ... ctJe7-f5, maximizing the
activity of all the black pieces.
l 5.®a3 ic6! 16.c4N

16.f4 if6! 17.ctJxf6t ctJxf6 18.ixc6 bxc6
l 9.ie3 ®b5+ is slightly better for Black, at
least in human chess.
16.id2 can be met by 16 ... ctJb6!, as in Van
Dooren - Coenen, Maastricht 2015.
I6JWe2 Wc7 17.f4 ~f6 1s.Lfhf6t ttJxf6~

With a balanced position. One way to
3 ·~ /j continue would be:
2 fj fj fj ~.fj
it ~ M~
a b c d e f g h
16 ... ctJb6! l 7.~b3 ~c7 18.ld 1hd8~
The looming positional idea of ... ctJa4 gives
Black a slight edge. For example:
19.:;Jel!
19.Effcl ?! -tJa4 20J;ab 1 b6! is worse.
19 ... ctJa4 20.;;e2 b6 21.;;cl ~ c8 22.f4!
22.c5 ~a6~
22 ... ld4 23.;;d2 e5!?
23 ... lxdt 24.gxd ;;xd2 25.~xd2 lxe4
26.lxe4 !2:c5 (26 ... fd8 27.~c2) 27.lB a b c d e f g h
;;d8 28.~e2 shouldn't be worse for \X'hite.
106 c3 Sicilian
19 ..ie3 .ixg2 20.®xg2 ~c6t 21.~f3 ctJe4 Conclusion

22.~fdl ~fd8 23. ®gl a6
This chapter dealt with less common 5th move
tries for White after 1.e4 cS 2.c3 ~f6 3.eS
~dS 4.~f3 e6. The most dangerous of these
is 5.g3, where the first player hopes to take
the game away from well-trodden theoretical
paths. After the further continuation 5 ... ~c6
6.ig2 d6 7.exd6 ixd6 8.0-0 0-0 Black no
longer has to worry about White's central
e-pawn, but he should still proceed with care.
There are several positional ideas that Black
should familiarize himself with, but the second
player can look forward to a safe game with
chances to play for more.
A draw was agreed here in Garagulya - lonov,

Smolensk 2000, though a decent amount of
play remains. I would take Black: he has the
better minor piece, and White's queenside
pawn majority is idle for the time being.
c3 Sicilian
a b c d e f g h
Various 7th Moves

Variation Index
I.e4 cS 2.c3 lt:Jf6 3.eS lt:JdS 4.lt:Jf3 e6 S.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4
6 ... d6
A) 7.id3 lt:Jb4! 108
Al) 8.ie2 108
A2) 8.0-0 110
A3) 8.ihSt id7 112
A3I) 9.ie2 112
A32) 9.ixd7t 113
A4) 8.igS 114
B) 7.id2 116
C) 7.lt:Jc3 lt:Jxc3 8.hxc3 Wf c7! 9.id2 lt:Jd7 118
CI) 10.id3!? 119
I
1, C2) 10.exd6 121
D) 7.a3 id7!? 8.id3 ic6 9.0-0 lt:Jd7 123
DI) 10.lt:Jbd2 124
D2) 10.~el 126
D3) 10.b4 a6 128
D31) I I.lt:Jbd2 128
D32) I I.Wf e2 131
D33) 11.~el 132
,I
108 c3 Sicilian
1.e4 cS 2.c3 lbf6 3.eS lbdS 4.lbf3 e6 5.d4 Black can exploit the bishop's exposed
Clearly the most challenging option. position to equalize:
s... cxd4 6.cxd4 d6 7 ... lbb4!

As on the previous move, White has a choice
of four continuations: Al) 8.il,e2, A2) 8.0-0,
A3) 8.il,bSt and A4) 8.il,gS.
Al) 8.il,e2 dxeS 9.dxeS
9.ctJxeS? 'l.Wxd4 is a free pawn which has scored

3/ 3 for Black on my database.
9 ... ~xdl t 10.@xdl

The position should favour us: White has
lost castling privileges, and his eS-pawn looks
more of a weakness than a strength in the
ensuing endgame.
This can be considered as the tabiya of our
repertoire. Black wants to quickly develop his
kingside and then pile up on the eS-pawn,
while White wants to utilize this pawn for
attacking purposes - by exploiting both the
space it offers and the possibility of creating
pressure on the bl-h7 diagonal.
In this chapter we will examine A) 7.il,d3,

B) 7.il,d2, C) 7.lbc3 and D) 7.a3.
7 .ic4 is the subject of Chapters 8 and 9.
A) 7.il,d3
I would like to show an instructive game where

Black went astray by exchanging the wrong
pieces:
10 ... ie7 11.a3 ct::idS 12.id2 0-0
12 ... id7! 13.ctJc3 4Jxc3t 14.ixc3 ia4t
15.~d2 ct:Jd7+ as played in Pujos - Delchev,
St Affrique 2002, looks a trifle better for
Black.
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 7 - Various 7th Moves 109
l 3.ctJc3 4Jxc3t 14.ixc3 bG?!

14 ... id7!N+ was better, in Delchev's style.
8
7r1f,·a/,
i: •.iJ~./., •,
··•••
·a,a. B
8
6.
5
4
~11..t
,;~& /
7 ~-~
!l
6 /,,, .. /. • .
sn
4
3
W&.·~ ~ B/B ,.z.
~J .... n./ ·/·,D;;4)@Jtitij~
~~ ~·hD
~
3 ::rs 2 8~ ~~r~fjt~
2
1 tM:
i~~-~-"iB" C
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
13.Ctk3 CtJ8c6
15.ctJd4! ib7 16.1H3 ixf3t 17.ctJxf3=
Now White has equalized, and Black should
u ...
ctJd7!? l 4.a3 4Jc6 15.ig5 ie7 I 6.ixe7
4Jxe7 may be even simpler.
take care not to become overexposed on the
light squares.
I4JkIN
17 ... ctJaG 18.Ek 1 gfc8 l 9.c;tie2 4Jc7 20.id2
14. ctJ e4 ib6 is slightly better for Black, as
:~d5 2Uhc8t gxc8 22.gcl gxcl 23.ixcl
was 14.a3 ct:Jd5+ in Olszewski - Reinderman,
b5?!
Warsaw 2005.
A step in the wrong direction.
23 ... ~fS 24.ctJd4 ~e8= would have easily
14... CtJd4 15.CtJe4 CtJxf3 16.gxf3
maintained equality.
16.ihf3 if8+
24.ctJd4! aG 25.ctJcG ic5 26.ie3! 4Jxe3
27.fxe3 ib6 2s.c;tid3 ~f8 29.ctJb4 a5 30.ctJcG
i e8 3 l.ctJd4 ic7 32.~e4 b4 33.axb4 axb4
34.ctJc6 f5t 35.exfG gxfG 36.h3 id6 37.~d3
;;d7 38.ctJd4 f5 39.~c4±
By this point White had a distinct advantage,
md he went on to convert the full point in
Gomez Esteban - Illescas, Benasque 2013.
This game serves as a good example of the type
:,f relaxation this structure might cause, and at
:he same time is a warning that every position
.::J.n be lost - even by the very best.
1u:m
l l.4Jc3? ixf2 12.ctJe4 ib6 13.ctJd6t ~e7+
..:st blunders away a pawn.
~ l .a3 should probably be met by 11 ... ctJdSN+.
11...0-0 12.~d2 ~d8

110 c3 Sicilian
A2) 8.0-0 ltJxd3 9.~xd3 dxeS 10.ltJxeS 11.~g3

Clearly the most challenging option.
(,?,.~.,.%.
~ ~Jif&: A ~ rJr.. W~
.a ~:.lLb,e'~~~; ;:,;@;;
7 . ,. . . /,,,, . • , . . , .
6
5 g ;;:g ;;:~ R
~~i
After 1 l.°l&b5t ctJd7 12.if4, the refined reply
l 2 ... ie7! leaves White with little firepower to
exploit his lead in development. Play is likely
to continue 13.ctJc3 0-0 14.Bacl ctJ b6, when
Black's control over d5 and his bishop pair are
-~w_rf . ~WM
.
~ ·W/~·1·~,~
sufficient equalizing factors. For example:
4 ~ ~<-);:, ~.
fJ JtJ~ •
~/~1~·~~
L .. ;:. ·/ } ... ,;:
~R~
1 f~~~ ~§~g
a b c d e f g h
White places his hopes on quick
development, to compensate for his structural
weakness and the loss of his light-squared
bishop. Let us see what Black's best reaction is:
10 ... ~d6!N
A developing move: threatening to take on
e5 and preparing to castle.
11...0-0 12.ltJc3!
I0 ... ctJd7 l l.°l&g3!? (l l.°l&b3 ie7 12.ctJc3
This maintains some momentum in White's
happened in Gneiss - Rooze, Velden 2009,
play, but with a few accurate moves Black
and now 12 ... 0-0N 13.Bdl ®b6= leads
should be able to defuse the pressure.
to equality.) 1 l...4Jxe5 (l I...g6 12.ctJc4 is
Things are easier for the second player after
unpleasant) 12.dxe5
l 2.ih6 ®f6 13.ig5 ®f5 l 4.ctJc3 f6 15.ih6
gf7 16.ctJ b5 ixe5 l 7.dxe5 ®xe5 18.®xe5
fxe5=. The resulting ending is rather drawish.
a b c d e f g h
12 ... id7 13.Bdl ®c7 14.ctJc3 ic6 15.ie3t
White has some pressure due to his better
development.
12 ... f6! on e 1 to be of any use. Black's pieces are active

It is difficult to make such a move, but it is and he is fine.)
the most principled as it does not allow White
to weaken our pawn structure.
Second-best is: l 2 ... ctJc6?! l 3.4Jxc6! (l 3.Jih6

~f6 14.ctJe4 ~xh6 15.ctJxd6 4Jxd4 16.~d3
'~f4 17.mel 4Jc6 18.4Jxc6 bxc6 19J~adl gb8
20.b3 c5=) 13 ... bxc6 14.if4 ixf4 15.~xf4
la6 16.gfd 1 White gets a lasting edge due to
his better minor piece.
13 ..ih6 Wff e7 14.tDhS :§:ds

a b c d e f g h
We are at the crossroads, with White facing
the usual chess problem of how to configure l 8 ... b6 l 9.ctJe3 ad8 20.h4 ib7= A balanced
his rooks. position has arisen, with excellent chances
for us.
15 .. .CDa6 16.CDxd6 :§:xd6 17.CLlc4 :§:dS

18.CDe3!
18.afel ~c7! l 9JM3 gh5 is a major point
in our defence, forcing an exchange of queens.
a b c d e f g h
15,gadl!?
1l1is feels more critical. The other rook is
.: ::,tined for e 1 to direct his fire against the
:· ·-rawn .
.:: _::_xd6 gxd6= releases the tension, leading

- 1 position where Black has no problems .
.: ~fd 1!? is the other way to play: 15 ... ctJa6

:-:_xd6 gxd6 17.ctJc4 ( 17.ctJg4 gd7x) 19 ..if4 .id7 20.:§:fel Wif7~
- .~d5 18.'.Ehcl 08.iH4 b6! 19.ltJdG ib7! With a double-edged position that should
~el gd8 21.ctJxb7 ~xb7 22.:J:he6 gxd4= is be fine for Black.
:~e displaying the problem with this rook
-~guration, as the king's rook had to end up
112 c3 Sicilian
A3) s.ihst id7 After 11.:Se l, a logical continuation 1s:

l l...4Jd7 l 2.a3 :;;cs 13.ct:J bd2 ct:Jf4 14.ifl
dxe5 l 5.ct:Jc4
a b c d e f g h
l 5 ... ct:Jg6! (The terrible blunder l 5 ... e4?? gave

This is another possibility worth examining,
White an easy point after 16.ixf4 exf3 17.dS
but it fails to shake the evaluation that Black
fxg2 l 8.ixg2 ib5 l 9.dxe6 f2lf6 20.exf7t ~xf7
stands fine in the 7 .id3 variation. At this
21.ct:JeSt 1-0 Kargosha - Bjelobrk, Sydney
point White has two options: A31) 9.ie2 or
2014.) 16.dxeS idS 17.ct:Je3 ic6 18.ct:Jc4=
A32) 9.ixd7t.
With equality.
A31) 9.ie2 ic6 10.0-0 ctJdS
l l .ct:Jc3 is the strongest continuation according
to the computers, bur I see no danger after:
l l...4Jd7 12.ctJxdS ixd5 13.if4 ct:Jb8!N=
(13 ... dxeS allows White a slight pull after
14.f2lxe5 4Jxe5 15.dxeS ic5 16.ibSt ~f8
1nk1±.)
a b c d e f g h
The bishop has found a great home on c6,
and this should be an excellent position in
general for the second player.
11.igS
I also looked at a couple of alternatives which
may well be of equal significance.
1I...\Wc7 Black an easy ride. He can develop, and at the

l 1...ie7 12.ixe7 Vfixe7= is also acceptable same time relieve his constriction by trading
for Black. offWhice's most dangerous attacking piece.
I2.ct}bd2
l 2.4Jc3!?N 4Jxc3 13.bxd ct:Jd7 14.c4 was a
stiffer test:
8A.
9 ... CtJxd7 10.0-0 dxeS 11.dxeS
,S,ffl>
.. f~ . . LJ
7?1iR'l)Ri¥li
1~
• • ttJ~ ;,;if
~,,J
6 R BiB B
5~~ •;,;;0";:;;;: ~
/,,,. / •///W.
3. -~-
/;/C///
4 ~
://,,. &~ BB
~ / ~
;gfJ ~
~ /~~~
2 8¥~ • f~8f~
a b c d e f g h
~~c2J~°ifB: m
a b c d e f g h
:-± ... ie4!
15.ct:Jd2 ifs 16.g4 ig6 l 7.f4 h6
1I ... ~e7
: S..ih4 dxe5 19.fxeS ib4 00 The resulting
1 l...4Jxe5!? 12.4Jxe5 Vfixdl 13J~xdl 4Jc2
<ruation is just a mess chat could go either way.
14.ie3 4Jxal 15.2'.cl f6 16.CtJf.3 ib4 l 7.CtJbd2
c;tit;N (or 17 ... c;J;]e7 as in Pierrot - Vescovi,
Buenos Aires 1988) 18.Bxal 2'.hd8 00 This is an
interesting possibility co unbalance the play.
1 l...4Jb6 12.CtJd Vfixdl 13.2'.xdl 2'.c8 14.CtJe4

Bc4= comes strongly in to consideration coo.
I2.CtJc3 CtJcS I3.a3N

l 3.ie3 0-0 14.a3 4Jc6 15.ixcS ixc5
should be also equal after the correct:
a b c d e f g h
12 .. .'Lld7 I3.CtJc4 dxeS 14.CtJfxeS 'tJxeS
15.ltJxeS ~d6 I6.CtJxc6 bxc6=
:1lay was balanced in Barbaric Yuk - Palac,
="'"Jar 2002, alchough Black went on co win.
I
'I A32) 9.~xd7t

I
:.. ::ire's most natural move, buc it seems co give a b c d e f g h

114 c3 Sicilian
16.°1We2!N= (In Durarbayli - Damljanovic, 18 ... a6 19.g3 f6 20.~xdSt @xd8 21.exf6

Dresden 2007, White played 16.®c2, when gxf6 22.@fl @d7 23.~dl t @c7 24.@e2 hS=
the obvious I 6 ... ctJd4N l 7.ctJxd4 ®xd4 Although there is some play left, the position
18.meI ib6 19Jhdl ®c4+ leaves Black with is essentially drawn. Black's plan is to play ... a5
the easier game in my opinion.) and create some chances on the queenside,
but if White conducts himself prudently he
shouldn't be in any danger.
A4) 8.~gS
In my view the most natural, as it is a move

that develops quickly while trying to avoid an
exchange of queens.
a b c d e f g h
13 .. .lDc6 14.b4 °W'xdl lSJhdl CLJb3 16J~bl
CLJxcl 17.~bxcl
White seems to have a slight pull due to his
better development, but Black has at least one
good way to nullify it.
17 ... ~ds
17 ... aS!? 18.b5 ixa3 19.bxc6 ixcl creates
some imbalance, but it should be a draw anyway.
18.CLJe4
18Jhd8t ~xd8 19.ctJe4 a6 20.g3 ~d7=
9.°W'xd3 °W'b6!
I think this is the best move, and one that
gives us good chances to play for a win.
I'm not as enthusiastic about 9 ... ie7 1O.ixe7

®xe7, when I think White is slightly for choice
after 11.ctJc3 0-0 12.0-0 Ei:d8 13.°1We3 ctJc6
l 4.ctJe4 dxe5 15.dxeS±.
10.CLJc3
The alternatives cannot offer White any
advantage either:
10.dS?! dxe5! (10 ... Wxb2? 11.0-0 Wxal 13.2'.aclN ctJc6 14.We2 a6 15.2'.fdl
12.Wc2!±) 11.0-0 f6 l 2.ie3 Wa6+
10.0-0 h6 l l.ie3 d5 l 2Jk 1 id7 13.ctJc3

1a6 14.Wdl GtJc6 15.a3 ctJe7~
a b c d e f g h
l 5 ... GtJe7! (l 5 ... ie7 16.GtJe l !?± unveils the
idea behind White's set-up, as the knight is
heading for d3 and exploiting the fact that
the d-pawn is immune; White has slightly
I, the better position in that case.) 16.t2lh4 g5
l 7.GtJf3 t2lf5 18.GtJe l ie7 l 9.g4 t2lh4 20.GtJd3
ic6 00 Yielding a complicated position that is
10 ... h6
hard to evaluate, but in practical play I would
Black is heading for a French Advance
, I
slightly prefer Black.
_,_riation structure where White will be missing
-:, precious light-squared bishop. As soon 13.gfc l !?N looks like the most harmonious
I• - :..:omes obvious, in a closed position White's move and is probably best. After l 3 ... ie7!
. I
.:.:,.·elopmenr advantage hardly matters. (In case of 13 ... Wa6 14.Wdl ctJc6 15.ctJel!
ctJe7 16.GtJe2! t2lf5 17.GtJg3! ctJxg3 18.hxg3
l l.~e3 ib5 [18 ... ie7 19.Wg4] 19J;c2! ib4 20.Wg4
: 1.id2 can be met by either 11...dSN = c;tif8±/= the position remains complicated, but
- 1 l...ie7 12.dS 0-0 13.0-0 Wa6 14.We4 White may have a slight edge as Black can no
.:. ,_c.:; 15.WxeS GtJd7 16.Wg3 id6 l 7.if4 longer castle.) 14.Wdl 0-0
=;,,·,.r"-1 18.Wxf4 t2lf6 l 9.d6 id7 20.ma1 ic6
~: _::_d4 2'.ac8 22.2'.d2 gfcl8 23Jfad 1 Was
>_::_xc6 2'.xc6 25.h3 2'.d7 26.a3 Wf5 27.~e3
=- _:.:; 28.Wf4 Wf5= when the players agreed to
_ .:.:-Jw in Venus - Ness, corr. 2009.
11...dS!
31Jck has reached the desired formation and
- ~dd be fine.
: 2.0-0 ~d7 13.a3

--=--:.1is further weakening of the light squares a b c d e f g h
.:. :'- not look appealing bur, nevertheless, it is 15.GtJel! Wd8! 16.GtJd3 t2lc6 17.Wg4 c;t>h7
~ -=-·· Jble. 18.GtJe2 f5 19.Wg3 )'k81he position is balanced.
116 c3 Sicilian
~ ;::_:IE!;_
s a~'. ~B~r..f.>;;;.~g:::
~~~
;::_~i
~~~
16 ... i,e7
//,,,,,, ~ ,,,,,,~ /,,,,,
16 ... ct:le7!? is more complex.
7 •aB~Bi•
B B B ir~ I7.ti.Jd2 Wd3 1s.Wg4 Wg6=
6 11
5 ~f:iB
BBB ~' 'B
3 With complete equality.
3~~~v~~~
B) 7.i,d2
4
This is a solid continuation, guarding b4 and
2
~-,,~~B BB ~~ffl
-///;;~
preparing to play ct:lc3 - without allowing a
t~ B ~:m
loosening of the pawn structure that follows
1
... ct:lxc3, bxc3. It also keeps more development
a b c d e f g h options open for the fl-bishop, depending
I3 ... Wa6!N on what Black plays. So, does this move give
I was happy to find this positional White the advantage?
continuation.
Instead, 13 ... aS!? l 4.ilk2 a4 occurred in
R. Stein - D. Popovic, corr. 2000. Rather than
the game's 15.E&fb 1, I would have preferred
15.lllel!N ie7 16.ct:ld3 0-0 17.\Wdl with
some attacking chances for White.
14.WdI
To keep access to the kingside, but now gfcl
has been obstructed, which is quite a success
for Black.
14 ... ti.Jc6 15.E&cl ~ks 16.~el

16.ct:lel can be answered with either
16 ... ct:laS or l 6 .. .CtJe7.
8.ti.Jc3 i,c6
Black has achieved his aim and the position
is equal.
9.~cl
This looks more in keeping with White's
strategy of developing the queenside first.
9.ibS ct:lxc3 1Ojhc6t ct:lxc6 l l .ixc3 dS!

12.0-0 ie7 13.4Je 1 b5 14.b3 fi'.cS 15.1Wd2 25.ic3 axb3 26.axb3 1Wa3! 27.iel
-~b6 16.f4 0-0 17.4Jf3 a5 18.1Wd3 (27.IWxbS?? 4Ja7-+) 27 ... ib4! is also tough
for White.
25 ... 4Jb4 26.Ei'.xc7 fi'.xc7 27.~bl \Wc8 28.4Jel
4Jc6 29.1Wd3 a3 30.ic3 4Jxe5 31.fxeS fi'.xc3
32.IWxbS ih6! 33.Ei'.e2 ie3 34.\Wb6 h5t
With weaknesses at a2, d4, and an exposed
king, it is highly unlikely that White will
survive.
9.ic4
I believe the most interesting way to play is:
9 ... 4Jb6!?
a b c d e f g h 9 ... 4Jxc3N 10.ixc3 dxe5 11.dxeS \Wxdl t
This all occurred in Schmitz - Cramling, 12.Ei'.xdl 4Jd7== is also safe and sound.
Gibraltar 2003, when rather than the game's
18 ... Ei'.c7, which allows 19.fS!N+, I would
have preferred:
~ S... g6!N
Tempting White to expose himself on
the kingside should he wish to prove his
attacking chances on that side of the board.
_-\n example of what may follow is:
'. ,1.~acl
Mter 19.g4?! fi'.c7 20.fS fi'.fcS+ it turns
out that White has weakened himself for
nothing, as there is no attack. a b c d e f g h
19.a4?! bxa4 20.bxa4 4Jb4+ is also clearly 10.ib3!
better for Black. 10.1ib5?! ie7 11.0-0 0-0 12.if4 4Jd5
_-\ .. fi'.c7 20.Ek2 fi'.fc8 2 l.fi'.ff2 ib4! 22.ib2 a4 l 3.!xc6 4Jxc3 l 4.bxc3 'Llxc6 15.!~b 1 b6
~-~.g3 ®a6 24.~g2 ifS 16.exd6 ixd6 17.!xd61Wxd6 18.fi'.el 4Ja5
l 9.4Je5 fi'.ac8 20.fi'.e3 4Jc4+ was excellent for
Black in Vu - Das, Kuala Lumpur 2014.
10 ... 4J8d7 11.0-0 dxe5N 12.dxe5 Zle7
13.if4!
After 13.®e2 !xf3 14.\Wxf3 4Jxe5 15.1We2
4Jc6! 16.Ei:adl 1Wb8 17.®g4 1We5 18.§'.fel
\Wf6 l 9.4Jb5 0-0 20.!c3 ®g6 White's
compensation, if it exists, is not at all clear
to me.
13 ... 4Jc5 l 4.4Jd4 4Jxb3 l 5.axb3 0-0 l 6.4Jxc6
bxc6 00
a b c d e f g h
With a double-edged position; both sides
have their chances.
118 c3 Sicilian
As they say, moving the same piece twice in the

opening is rarely good, and that seems to be
the case with 9.Clle4 after: 9 ... dxe5! 10.CLlxeS
fle7 1 Ukl 0-0 12.fld3 \Wb6 13.ctJgS flxg5
14.ixgS \Wb4t 15.\Wd2 (15.~fl? ibS+)
a b c d e f g h
13 ... 0-0 14.We2 ~c8 IS ..ie4
15.E&fd 1 igS!? is excellent for Black.
a b c d e f g h
IS ....ixe4 I6.Wxe4 dS 17.Wd3 Wd7=
15 .. .f6 16.ctJxc6 ctJxc6 l 7.fle3 ~hc8 18.a3
Black may have a tiny pull due to his better
\Wxd2t 19.~xd2 f5 20.g3 gfd8+ White will
bishop, bur the position should obviously be
probably hold the ending, but obviously the
drawn with correct play.
onus is on him. The knight on d5 is a tower of
strength and White lacks an active plan.
a b c d e f g h
9 .. )Llxc3!N I0 ..ixc3 .idS! This is a fairly acceptable continuation, bur
We've seen this configuration before; the is also a committal one; White adheres to the
bishop cannot be harassed on dS, and the knight rule "knights before bishops" at the cost of
will come to c6 to pressurize the white centre. allowing a loosening of his pawn formation.
I I..id3 ctJc6 12.0-0 ile7 I3.a3 7 ... ctJxc3 8.bxc3

13.flbl?! 0-0 14.\Wd3 g6+ is not a serious In situations similar to the one that has
plan for White as he has no attack. arisen here on the board, getting saddled
with 'hanging' c- and d-pawns is a common 1his sacrifice is perfectly viable. Let us review
occurrence for White. On the other hand, a couple of options designed to combat it.
his lead in development is a factor not to be
underestimated, and Black should be careful 10 ... dxeS 11.0-0
not to fall too much behind in development. After these introductory moves, I would like
The next move is a step in the right direction: to recommend a tricky possibility at Black's
disposal:
a b c d e f g h
s.. JWc7! a b c d e f g h
Developing while also forcing the enemy 11...g6!?
_: _1een's bishop to take up a passive stance on Black is prepared to give back the pawn,
.:2 can already be considered a small success and opt for some sort of middlegame where
-- ,r Black. his better structure might prove a long-term
asset. However, as ,ve shall see, even in this case
9.~d2 'Lid7 it is not easy to avoid a draw against a well-
\Ve need to have a reply to the dangerous prepared opponent.
Cl) I0.~d3!?, while the main line 1s
(2) I0.exd6. I I...id6 12.2'.e I 0-0! 13.dxeS ctJxeS 14.ctJxeS
iixe5 15.ixh7t ~xh7 16.~hSt ~g8
Cl) I0.~d3!? White must now choose which way to
recapture on eS:
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
120 c3 Sicilian
1nhe5! bG 16.ctid4 iaG 17.~ e3 §:fd8 l 8.h4 gd5

Only this move convincingly maintains l 9.f4 as played in Schmittdiel - Acs, Austria
equality. 2000, looks poor for White after the simple
l 7.\Wxe5?! °1Wxe5 18.gxe5 fG 19J~e4 id7 l 9 ... h5N+) 13 ... 0-0 I 4.ctixe5 ctlxe5 l 5.if4
20.gd4 icG 2 l .ie3 cj,)f7!+/+ has by now been rendered harmless because of
Giardelli's discovery.
~ h fW,/ {~/ -;/%
8 .a.~ ~ f~ ~if
7 ~,~
'/ ,/ #Z'i:? ~ /, ,,, ~cmr~_-
6 ~
~ Jt. ~-
- .J!. ~ A& ;:A;;
f_r_~_·_-:_~ ~-·~-
::::.~.;::
5
~
~
+
ff;~
:,;~~
if~ ~>-:;::,
~
4 m~mm1J
~ ~!] ~ efif
3 /;~ { } *····i ~
2 cim m m[jf/j
~m
/ ,'/ efef
~ ~
%%~ /, ~/
8
a b c d e f g h
This is not a piece of cake to defend after a b c d e f g h
a rook switch to the fifth rank via h5; after 15 ... fG! For example, l 6.dxe5 fxe5 l 7.ig3 id7
all, White's weak queenside pawns are going l 8.h4 gad8 l 9.°1We2 (l 9.°1Wg4 icG! 20.°IWxeGt
nowhere. Anatoly Karpov is a specialist in '\Wf7 2 l .°1Wxf7t cj,)xf7+ is also slightly better for
winning such endings. Black) and at this point, in Flores - Giardelli,
After 17.gxe5! I could indeed find nothing Tres de Febrero 2003, Black could have gotten
better for Black than equality, for instance: the upper hand by means of: 19 ... icG!N
17 .. .fG l 8.ge3 20.ric2 (20.h5 gxh5!) 20 ... °1Wf7+
l 8.ge4 '\Wf7+ Kozlicek - Cerveny, Czech
Republic 2007. 12 ...~g7 I3.Wfa3!
18 ... e5 13.ctixe50-014.f4gd815.gael a616.h4b5
18 ... '\Wf7 19.°1We2! (19.°1Wh4 e5 20.gg3 if5 l 7.°1Wc2 ib7~ was complicated in Stromboli
21.ihG igG+ remains worse for White, if - Frischmann, Pardubice 2013, but, as far as I
only slightly) 19 ... gd8 20.gg3 e5 21.ihG gG can see, not worse for Black.
22.'\Whs cj,)h7 23.°1Wh4 ci;gs 24.°1Wh5 cj,)h7=
leads to a draw as well.
l 9.gg3 ieG 20.gel gad8 21.ihG gf7 22.h3
'1Wc4 23.°IWgG gdd7 24.ixg7 gxg7 25.°IWeSt
cj,)h7 26.°1Wh5t cj,)gs 27.°IWeSt
A draw was the unavoidable outcome in
Fuentes Parra - Gajek, Caldas Novas 2011.
12.Wfa4!
Unfortunately, White has this move.
The theoretical main line 12.gel ?! ig7

13.gcl (l 3.dxe5?! 0-0 l 4.°1We2 ctic5 l 5.ic2
13 ... b6 'TI1is move is hardly forced, and perhaps

13 ... ifS 14.\Wa4 ig7 leads to a draw. sacrificing the e-pawn better suits White
players who are interested only in a draw.
14.~hS a6N
I didn't like the look of 14 ... ib7 15.ctheS I0 ... ~xd6 l l.~d3 b6!
lxeS 16.dxeS in S. Coates - Caridi, corr. The key move: with both his bishops
2004. pointing at the white kingside, Black has little
to fear.
15.~xd7t 'Wxd7 16.CtheS! ~xeS 17.dxeS
~xd2 18.~adl 'WgS 19.'Wd6 ~h7 20.'Wd7t 12.0-0 ~h7 13.~el 0-0
;t>fs 21.'Wxb7 ~g7 22.f4 'WfS 23.'Wxb6
Black has easily equalized out of the opening,
~hc8 24.'Wd4 ~ah8=
and perhaps even a bit more than that.
14.h3
After 14.ie4 ixe4 1S.gxe4 gfe8 16.\Wc2
gac8 l 7.gh4 CDfS+ Black is given a chance to
play on the light squares, as in Khamrakulov -
Bologan, Sanxenxo 2003.
a b c d e f g h
Black has enough compensation for the
:- ·"wn, but no more. Therefore we may conclude
---.1r the pawn sacrifice 1O.id3!? is viable for
·:::·hire, and our hopes for an advantage lie only
··. r~1eing inadequately prepared opponents.
a b c d e f g h
C2) I0.exd6
14 ... ~adS!?
This is the move I employed m my own
praxis.
l 4 ... if4 l 5.ixf4 Wxf4= was quite level 111
Timman - Piker, The Hague 1995.
14 ... gacS 15.a4?! (IS.gel was better, intending

to meet 15 ... if4 with 16.ie4 ixe4 J7.gxe4
ixd2 18.\Wxd2=) 15 ... if4! 16.ixf4 \Wxf4
17_ge3 QJf6 18.CDeS (l 8.c4 gfdS+)
a b c d e f g h
122 c3 Sicilian
a b c d e f g h
l 8 ... CLid5 19J:H3 Wh4 20.Wd2 ):hc3 21.ixh7t
Wxh7 22.2'.xc3 CLixc3 23.Wxc3 2'.c8+ Black a b c d e f g h
was at least slightly better in Seitaj - J. Polgar, 21...a6!!~
Halkidiki 2002. A brilliant point, directed against Wb5.
After 14 ... 2'.ad8 my game took the following 22.\Wa2

course: 22.Wxb6? 2'.b8 23.Wa5 ih2t! 24.<;hh2
gd5+ was the tactical justification of my idea.
15.ctJgS?!
l 5.a4! 2'.fe8! was Radulski - Oral, Bled (ol) 22 .. Jks 23.2'.ebl \Wc6 24.~h3 Jic7 25.Jie3
2002. Black is playing for ... e5 and is at least \Wd6 26.g3 hS! 27.h4 \WdS 28.~b4
equal, but this was the best chance for White. 28.c4? is bravely answered by 28 ... Wxc4
29.2'.cl Wd5+, as the temporary pin on the
1s... ltJf6 16JWc2 c-file cannot be exploited.
28 ... \Wf3
28 ... idS!?N+ also looks good.
29.~c4?
29.Wc4!N+ was the move to keep White in
the game, but it is actually rather hard to find.
a b c d e f g h
16 ... g6! 17.ctJe4 Jixe4 18.Jixe4 ctJxe4
19.\Wxe4 \Wc4! 20.a4
20.Wb7 Wa4!+
20 .. J~d7 21.\Wbl
f
29 .. J~e8! 30.~el °IWdS 31.°1We2 id6-+ the d5-knight to invade on the f4-square. In
With the rook trapped on c4 White had addition, the first player should be wary of a
:10 hopes of survival. I went on to exploit my timely ... dxe5 followed by ... 4Jc5, as there is
_,dvantage in Managadze - Kotronias, Achaea a whole complex of light-square weaknesses
:012. on his queenside that he needs to take care
of. Considering this, it is not surprising that
D) 7.a3 White often employs the move b2-b4 to rake
cS away from the black knight, but this has the
disadvantage of weakening c3.
'I
I,
a b c d e f g h
\'\'hire prepares to get his bishop out on d3,
~.:11ing at a kingside attack. The move is rather
a b c d e f g h
,\\·. however, and this fact allows Black to We will first examine what happens ifWhite
: _:: _:;1lize easily. does allow Black the option of ... CiJf4 by
playing DI) I0.~bd2. Then 02) 10.~el is
- ...~d7!? slightly more common but, as was alluded to
,lightly awkward at first sight, but in fact above, 03) I0.b4 is an important prophylactic
::-:,- principled. 1he bishop hurries to occupy measure.
-- :- long diagonal and intensify Black's control
:, d5. Passive is instead 1O.id2, intending to bring
- ... ··Dc6 8.id3 dxe5 9.dxe5 g6! is another out the knight on c3 without weakening the
:;:!lent equalizing method. For the purposes pawn structure. After 1O... ie7 1 l .4Jc3 4Jxc3
-- :his repertoire, however, I decided to follow 12.ixc3 dxeS 13.dxeS 4Jc5
- ·. c1wn rule of thumb: when given the chance,
~ .:..::k should develop his light-squared bishop
- :he a8-hl diagonal, as that gives him typical
~ .:.·.- with the minimum of risk.
,..id3 ic6 9.0-0 ~d7

:._;:r us pause for a moment and examine
-- : ,iruation. Black is close to completing his
~~-__:p. while White faces problems with the
: =- dopment of his queenside; 4J bd2 allows
a b c d e f g h
124 c3 Sicilian
14.ic2 (14.ic4 allows 14 .. .Lth4!+ Milton

- Karasev, St Petersburg 1999; l 4.ie2 0-0
8 .i
l 5.b4 c2ie4 l 6.id4 a5! 17.bS id5+ was better
7 ;~i
for Black in Doncevic - Illescas, Las Palmas 6 lZJ. ~· i
1989) 14 ... ®xdl 15.gfxdl c2ia4 16.id4 0-0 5
17.gacl gfd8=/+ Black is just a shade better in 4 i
this dry ending. 3 ,,Q/·
A; %0~
<:;;/;J ;f?
0//;}:! ./////,'
. //
DI) I0.CL)hd2
2 tYJ• ~ /~ 'l)J~ fj ti
Fr );fo ?~ Fr ?:~r-0-,
;~ 1~ ....,·;; § ~'§(
Allowing Black to invade on f4, with fully a b c d e f g h

equal chances. l 8 ... id6!! l 9.g3 ixg3 20.fxg3 c2ixg3t 2 l .c;t>g2
c2ixfl 22.ia4 4Jxh2+
10 ... dxeS 11.dxeS!
I'm not sure White has enough for the pawn 12 ... ~bS
after 11.ge 1 exd4 12.c2ixd4 ie7 l 3.c2ic4 We are at a crossroads, with White having to
(13.gxe6 c2ic5!+ is a nice point) 13 ... 0-0 make an important practical decision:
l 4.®c2 h6 l 5.c2ixc6 bxc6+.
13.gel
I consider this to be the most clear-cut way
to equality.
The alternative 13.ixb7!?N leads to slightly
more unbalanced positions, but in the end it
should be a draw all the same: 13 ... gb8 14.ie4
4Je2t 1s.c;t>h1 ctJxcl 16.gxcl ixfl
a b c d e f g h
l 2.c2ie4? is simply a blunder because of
12 ... c2ixd3 l 3.®xd3 c2ixe5!-+. l 7.c2ixfl! (In case of 17.®xfl ie7 18.b4
0-0 l 9.ct:Jc4 gc8 00 White does have some
12.ic2?! leaves White at least slightly compensation, but I am not sure whether it is
worse after the following impressive tactical fully sufficient.) l 7 ... gc8 18.ic6 ie7 l 9.®a4
sequence: 12 ... c2ixe5!! 13.c2ixe5 ®g5! l 4.®g4 0-0 20.gd 1 gxc6! 2 l.®xc6 4Jxe5 22.gxd8
®xe5 15.c2ic4 c2ie2t 16.c;t>hI h5! 17.c2ixe5 4Jxc6= With prudent play, neither side should
hxg4 18. c2i xc6 be in any danger here.
14 .. .CDcd3 15.El:e3 aS! 16.CDh3!

The only move to keep the fight going.
16.bxa5 ic5 17.ixd3 4Jxd3 l 8.ctJe4! ixe3

19.ctJd6t 'Wxd6!! 20.exd6 ixf2t 21.~hl
ic5= leads to a nice draw.
a b c d e f g h
13 .. .CtJcS 14.b4!N
I think this is the accurate move that
:~ualizes here.
The alternative 14.a4 id3! was better for
:=- :-1ck in the following game:
16 ... axb4 17.ctJfd4!?

17.ctJbd4 4Jc5 18.id2 ia4 19.'Wbl 4Jxe4
20Jhe4 ~d5 2 l .axb4 id7 00 is also balanced,
but I would prefer Black in view of the bishop
pair.
17 ... ctJcS 18.~d2!?

I 18.iB ic6 19.ixc6t bxc6 20.axb4 gxal
21.ctJxal 'Wd5 22.f3 ctJd7 23.4Jac2 c5 24.bxc5
a b c d e f g h
ixc5= is level, although it is White who has to
:: :-::_c4 ixc4 16.ihf4 ~xd 1 17.:Saxd 1 be more careful.
_;:-!: 18.gxe4 id5+ Hinojar Basa - Baron
: _:riguez, Spain 2004. Black had a nice
· -:-.op pair and some weaknesses to pile up
- .rnd went on to win the game.
· ;_lxd3!?N also fails to get White out
- :he woods after l 5 ... 4Jcxd3 16.:~m ii,e7
- ;3 (17.ctJe4 Wd5 18.ctJd [ 18.ihf-4 ~xe4+]
.-~'c4 19.ixf4 ctJxf4+) 17 ... ctJg6+, but
- : ~nheless seems a better choice.
-_-:-:- l 4.b4! play takes on a tactical character,

the end of the skirmishes a dead drawn
. · .::. .it
- -.:ion arises.
126 c3 Sicilian
18 ....ia4 19.axh4 4Jxh3 20.4Jxh3 .ixh3

21.:§:xa8 .ixdl 22.:§:xdSt @xd8 23.~el
.ixh4! 24 ..ixh4 .ia4 25 ..ixh7 @d7 26 ..id6
.ic6 27.~hl 4Jd5=
D2) 10.:§:el
a b c d e f g h
13 ... 0-0!N
l 3 ... ~f4 l 4.g3N t2lfd3 l S.ge3 ltJxc 1
16.gxc 1 is a bit too time-consuming for my
taste.
However, l 3 ... 4Jb6N 14.\Wc2 gc8 l 5.b4
4Jca4 l 6.4Je4 0-0 is worth a further look.
14.c2id4
a b c d e f g h 14.b4 ltJc3 l 5.\Wc2 ltJ5a4 is at least equal for
Black.
I would almost be tempted to describe this
l 4 ... ia4 l 5.\Wf3
as the most logical and natural move in the
l 5.\Wg4 fS!+ 16.exf6?? ltJxf6-+ is a major
position. However, refraining from b2-b4 does
point.
not seem to improve White's chances.
l 5 ... 4Jb6 16.\We3 igS! 17.\We2
The only move.
I0 ....ie7!
l 7 ... \Wxd4 l 8.ltJf3 \Wc4 19.ixgS '1Wxe2
The no-nonsense reaction: Black avoids an
20.ixe2 ltJb3 21.gadl ltJd5=
early ... dxe5 so as not to free the d4-square for
In my view Black has the more pleasant
the white knight.
position, but the computer says it's completely
equal.
11.exd6
This seems to me like the most testing.
1 I.. ..ixd6 12.4Jbd2 0-0 13.4Jc4
White forces the bishop to move again, hoping
that hitting it with 4J bd2-c4 (or e4) will give
him enough time to build either an attack or
positional pressure.
l l.'1We2 ~k8 12.b4 a6 transposes to variation

032, while l l .b4 a6 is variation 033.
Harmless is instead:
l l.4Jbd2 dxe5! 12.dxeS 4Jc5 13.ifl
Black has a variety of good choices. My
preference is for:
a b c d e f g h
r
13 ... iJ4!
The star move, after which Black easily
equalizes. With his dark-squared bishop gone
\\?hire has no realistic hopes of initiating a
Jangerous attack.
14.~d2N
It is hard to say which move is the most
:csting, as I found Black to be fine after all
"\'hite's replies.
a b c d e f g h
'I
:-±.luce5 looks unlikely to cause any trouble. 15 ... lu5b6!N
~cher l 4 ... ~xe5 l 5.luxe5 gc8 l 6.g3 ixcl l 5 ... lue7!?N is possible too.
: -.:2'.xcl lue7 l 8.Ek5 id5 l 9.®a4 luc6= Black also had few concerns following
3lack doesn't have the slightest problem. He l 5 ... lu5f6 in Rantanen - Seeman, Jyvaskyla
.:..::mally went on to win in Morvay - D. Nagy, 2015.
:--Iungary 2005. 16.luceS ~xe5 17.luxeS idS 18.®hS
18.®e2 gcS 19.EkS ~d7 20.gxdS exd5
.:ore to the point seems 14.lufeSN, but
21.ifS ~xe5 22.ixcS Ei'.e8! 23.dxeS ®xc8=
3:1ck has two good ways to cope with it. The
:.carest one is: l 4 ... luxe5 (14 ... ixe5!? l 5.dxe5
_; 16.lud6 luxes l 7.ixh7t ~xh7 18.®hst
~:::8 19.®xeS ®d7= is slightly riskier but also
- ::,sible) 15.dxeS ixcl 16.®xcl (16.gxc 1
-:._ ~4 l 7.ie4 ixe4 18.gxe4 lud3=)
a b c d e f g h
18 ... g6
l 8 ... h6!? could be more combative.
l 9.®h6 Ei'.c8
The diminished material means that White's
a b c d e f g h attack lacks punch. A possible end to the
game could be:
· .1b5 17.®bl !xc4 18.!xc4 :Sc8 19.V·!le4
20.gxcS
20.:Sc3 ~e7!+±
'1
20 ... itJxcS 21.h4 ~e7! 22.h5 ~f5 23.ixfS
. ., ~:J
exf5 24.hxg6 hxg6 25.1Llxg6 fxg6 26.®xg6t=
~1is looks smooth, but \Xlhite will have no
::1.rnces to attack by utilizing a rook lift to 14 ... ~xd2
::-:c third rank. Black equalizes easily: 14 .. JZcS 15.:Scl h6 is also fairly good.
- .. ~xcl 15.:Sxcl
128 c3 Sicilian
15J&xd2 ciJe7! 16J&f4 JidS 17.ciJe3 ciJg6! D3) 10.b4

18.Jixg6
a b c d e f g h
I believe this to be the critical test.
18 ... fxg6! 19.lMfd6 Jixf3 20.lMfxe6t @h8
21.gxf3 ~xf3 22.lMfdS gfS 23.gacl 10... a6
23.~xb7 :i=i'.b8t White has weakened his light squares (as well
as c3) further, but now controls the important
23 ... h6 24.ciJg4 lM/h4! c5-square. A double-edged struggle is about
This move nullifies White's slight initiative. to start, where the first player hopes his space
A likely conclusion is: advantage will prove more important than his
weaknesses.
s :iB B ~~.. • The three main moves are: D31) 11.CzJbd2,

w.l ·n'l)B • i D32) 11.lMfe2 and D33) 11.gel.
7
/,%• ?0B B.t.B
:•~,~~,~
6
D31) 11.CzJbd2
~ /fj% ~. %, ,%
~fl~~fl-fl
1 B""")~ }~
a b c d e f
=g h
25.lMfxd7 ~ad8 26.lM/e6 gde8 27.lMfxeS
lMfxg4t 28.@fl lMfh3t
With a perpetual check.
11. .. clxeS!? 21.ie3 ie7 22.Wb7 0-0 23.Wxa6 Wa8=

I promoted this standard undermining of is another way to equalize) l 6.dxe5 ie7
White's queenside to be my main line here. 17.EI'.dl 0-0 18.if4 b5 19.4Jc3 (19.a4N
bxa4 20.Bxa4 Wb6=) 19 ... l1Jb6 20.ie3 Wc7!
.-\lso possible is: l l...l1Jf4 12.ie4 d5 13.ic2 2 l.l1Jxd5 l1Jxd5 22.EI'.acl Wbs 23.id4 g6
:~b5 14.Efe 1 4Jd3 l 5.EI'.e3 4Jxcl 16.EI'.xcl 24.g3 l1Jb6= with approximate equality in
Cerveny - Cvek, Pardubice 2013.
l 5.b5
After l 5.4Jc4 White's slight initiative is
defused in the following way: l 5... dxe5
16.dxe5 ib5! l 7.4Jd6t (l 7.We2 allows
l 7 ... ixc4N 18.ixc4 \Wc7!) l 7 ... ixd6
l 8.ixb5 ic7! l 9.ixd7t Wxd7 20.if4
0-0 21.afd 1 Wa4= Black had no reason to
complain in Lan in - Soreghy, corr. 2009.
l 5 ... axb5 l 6.ixb5
This was Kalvaitis - Genutis, Lithuania
a b c d e f g h
2007, and now I would like to recommend:
: 6 ... ie7 Intending to answer l 7.a4N ic6 16 ... dxeSN 17.dxeS Wc7 18.ixc6 Vlefxc6
:s.gbl with 18 ... l1Jb6 19.a5 4Jc4~. My belief l 9.4Jf3 ic5 20.ab 1 b6 2 l.id2 0-0 22.ib4
, that Black is quite okay, for instance: 20Jk3 h6=
1
-0!? 21.l1Jxc4 dxc4 22.Bxc4 Wd7~ We have Black has a fully equal game.
_,_: least sufficient compensation for the missing
-: 1wn. 12.clxeS
: ~ ... 4Jc3
The main theoretical recipe.
: :.~c2 Bc8 13.Wxc3 ixf3 14.Wb2
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h 12... aS!N
To my knowledge this has not been played
- ... lc6
in this particular position, but it is a typical
.:Jso viable is l 4 ... id5!? l 5.4Je4 dxe5
reaction, exploiting White's overextension.
~ 5 ... ixe4!? 16jhe4 d5! l 7.id3 l1Jb6N
: 5.b5! 4Jc4 l 9.ixc4 gxc4 20.bxa6 bxa6
13.bS ctJc3!
130 c3 Sicilian
The point: hitting both the q ueen and the

b5-pawn.
14 ... ~xf3
. to mass s
implifications t a
Lea dmg k h tare not
ble for Blac ·
unfavoura 'f/1,/ d3 li'lxd3
15. 'Llxf3 'LlcS 16.axc
illl> 3 ~xd317. X
f
11
25.g3 g6 26.Ct~gS 'llxeS 27Jhd5 exdS played in Khaetsky- Ortiz Suarez, Barcelona
28.'llxh7 ghs 29.'tlf6 gxh2 30.'llxdS l2Jf3 2013, although Black went on to win the
31.ga2 'llxel 32.@xel ghl t 33.@e2 ~xf2 game after an unsound sacrifice by White.
34Jh3= 14. 'LJ c3 'LJ xc3 15 .ixc3
15.Er'.xc3 dxeS 16.dxeS ixf3 17.gxf3 Er'.xc3
D32) 11.~e2 18 .ixc3 'LJ b6 00
15 ... t2Jb6 16.id2 ~d7 17.if4 f6~
Black does not look any worse to me,
although he is probably not better either.
12 .. Jks
It will now be hard for White to complete
the mobilization of his queenside forces
without using some artificial means.
13J~a2
13.id2 was played in Alavkin - Negi,
Moscow 2005, when it appears simplest to me
to wait with 13 ... bS!?N, as White hasn't really
a b c d e f g h done anything constructive yet. The computer
Throwing this in with the b2-b4 set-up now gives 14Jh2, but then a human-like
:·night appear natural, but what does White do approach with 14 ... iaS 15.Er'.c2 Er'.xc2 16.ixc2
:1cxt? dxeS 17.dxeS ctJ7b6 18.id3 h6 19.Er'.cl \Wd7
20.'LJel g6!+, intending ... ~f8-g7, emphasizes
l 1. .. ~e7 12.gel the lack of any serious plan for White.
In my opinion more prudent is:
: 2.id2!? 0-0 13.Er'.cl
13.ttk3 ctJxc3 14.ixd bS!N+ sees b6
become an excellent square for the black
knight.
5 ~{?:~
4
2 a b c d e f g h
13 ... ~a4!N
a b c d e f g h I think it is better for Black to refrain from
: _~ .. J~k8!N 13 ... 'LJ 7b6, as played in Markovic - Rublevsky,
Less convincing is 13 ... 1¥b6 14.ctJd ctJxc3 Budva 2004, since the text move allows Black
15.ixd dxeS 16.dxeS 2'.fc:8 17.C2id21;/fd8 as to hair White's idea to improve his rook
i
132 c3 Sicilian
with )2;c2. I believe Black holds the slightly

better chances.
14JMfe4 dxeS 15.dxeS hS!?

Denying the queen a transfer to g4.
Also possible is:

15 ... LLl7b6 16.Wg4!
After 16.'lld4 g6 17.Wg4 (17.ih6 ig5!
IS.ixg5 Wxg5+) I 7 ... h5! 18.Wf3 (18.Wg3?
'llxb4+) 18 ... 0-0 l 9.Jid2 (19.Jih6 'llxb4!
20.axb4 Wxd4 21.JixfS ixfS+) 19 ... Wd?
20.Wg3 ~g7 21.ie4 )2;c4 22.'llb3 gfcS+
Black has obtained complete control.
D33) 11.El:el
a b c d e f g h
16 ... g6 l 7.ig5!
l 7.Jih6 'llxb4+
17 ... h6 18.ixe7 'llxe7 19.gd2 'llbd5 20.'lld4
Wb6 2 I .h4 ~fS~
I would evaluate this position as balanced.
I6.~d2 l2J7b6 17.El:cl

l 7.'lld4 Wd7 18.gcl gxcl t 19.ixcl g6
looks excellent for Black too. For example, a b c d e f g h
20.)2;e2 ~fS 2 I .Jib2 ~g7 22.)2;e I )2;c8 and
the weakness of the c4-square tips the scales This is the best move in my opinion.
slightly in our favour.
l l. .. ~e7 12.exd6!
I think this is the most logical continuation,
forcing the bishop to move again. White's idea
is to plant a knight on c5, making use of the
extravagant-looking b2-b4.
'
12.l~Jbd2
This can be met in typical fashion:
12 ... dxeS 13.dxeS aS!
Black frees the cS-square for use by his
pieces, and he may already be slightly for
choice.
Much weaker is instead 15.id2?! ctJ5f6!+, after

14.bxaS
which the knight jump has been rendered
14.bS CLic3 l 5.°@fb3N ixf3 16.CLixf3
impossible and White already has to think
ctJcS 17.°@fxd °@f xd3 18.°@f xd3 4Jxd3
about equalizing.
19 .El'.d 1 0-0-0+ is a position that compares
favourably with the one arising after
A viable alternative is:
11.ctJ bd2 dxeS!? 12.dxeS aS!, as White has
15.°@f e2
wasted a tempo on El'.e 1. Still, this might
Now I found the following impressive (by
have been the lesser evil for him.
my own standards) continuation:
14 ... CLicS 15.ifl ia4 16.°@f e2 ct::if4
15 ... ibS! 16.ixbS axbS l 7.ib2 °@f e8!!
16 ... 0-0N+
18.ct::icS!
17.°@fc4 ct::ifd3 18.El'.e3 CLixcl 19.El'.xcl 0-0
18.°@fxbS CLleS! l 9.°@fxe8 CLixf3t 20.gxf3
20.a6
Ei:fxe8~ is, unsurprisingly, a position where
20.°@ff4!?N §'.xaS 21.CLic4 El'.a7+
Black may even be better in spite of being a
20 ... El'.xa6 21.°@fg4 El'.a8 22.El'.c4 ic6 23.El'.d4
pawn down, as he has a much better bishop
~a4! 24.El'.xa4 ixa4 25.h4 ic2+
and a healthy pawn structure.
Black was dominating proceedings in
\'elchev - P.H. Nielsen, Rogaska Slatina 2011.
12... ~xd6 13.CLJbd2 ~e7 14.CLJe4

The knight continues its trip towards the
target square.
l 4.CLic4 does not offer White anything, in

\·iew of 14 ... CLid l 5.°@fb3 ixf3 (15 ... CL\ bS!?)
1G.°@fxc3 idS 17.ct::ie3 Ei'.c8 18.°@fb2 ct::i b6 and
Black is at least equal.
a b c d e f g h
134 c3 Sicilian
18 .. .CtJ 7b6! 19.ltJeS

19.ctJxb7 4Jc4+:!
19 ... ixcS! 20.bxcS
20.dxcS 4Ja4 21.ctJd3 f6! 22.'Wxe6t 'Wxe6
23.2xe6 4Jxb2 24.ctJxb2 4Jxb4 25J;b6 2fe8
26.g3 2e2 27.ctJdl ctJd3 28.2xb5 2d8==
20 ... 4Ja4 21.icl f6! 22.ctJd3 'Wd7! 23.'Wxe6t
'Wxe6 24.2xe6 2fd8~
Black has excellent compensation for the
pawn due to his powerfully placed knights,
and is not at all worse.
s.1• B ~~••
7RiR'l)•a•i
• L,,~ /,,,,,~ •
a
17 ... f6!
b c d e
I like this move, guarding the critical

f g h
61.R.t.RiR R
~ff~~-~.
sR ~'l)R R
4
3D"BiR~R~
2,,,,%• R ~~r~
e5-square and giving the black queen a possible
outlet on h5.
17 ... a4!? 18.id2 (18.ctJeS ie8 19.id2 'Wb6==)

18 ... 'Wb6 19.'Wbl g6 20.ltJeS 2fd8 21.'Wb2
ie8 is also perfectly possible, and the verdict is
;;;"'"/.~~:f~ ~;:;'''"//.,,,,%'2-'/'/···,%
none other than equality.
l ~~ ~ifif~~ ~ 18.a4
a b c d e f g h
An attempt to further cramp Black by
15 ... aS!? preventing ... a4. Some other options are below:
This undermining attempt, although as not 18.ic4 a4! 19.id2 gf7 20.'Wc2 2c8 21.'Wa2
as strong as in the cases we have already seen, if8 is excellent for Black, as the weaknesses at
is also good here. b5 and a3 offer him considerable counterplay.
15 ... ctJxcS 16.bxcS! if6 17.ctJeS ixe5 18.2xe5

'Wd?± is solid but slightly better for White,
who controls more space and has the bishop
pair.
I6)thd7 ~xd7 17.hS!

Trying to cramp us. Without this move
White would of course be worse.
a b c d e f g h
22.ixdS exd5 23.'WxdS is simply met by
23 ... ieS! 24.'WxdS 2xd8+, underlining the
above statement.
l 8.CtJd2 Ei'.c8 (18 ... a4!?) l 9.a4 ~h8 20.ia3 21.ctJxd2 @h8 22.~e4 b6 23.~xdS exdS
ixa3 21.Ei'.xa3 ~b6 22.~al ct:Jb4~ is at least 24.\Wb3
equal for Black, in view of the strong knight 24.ct:Jfl Ei'.e8=
on b4 and the possibility of doubling rooks on
the c-file.
Finally, 18.~ c2 1s simply answered by:

18 ... ~hS! 19.id2 (19.ixh7 §:c8 20.~bl ctJc3
is a draw)
8 .i
7 /j '/'
;;,;:/,
6 ,,~~:/
5 ~~j fj ;, \~ \f/
4
3 /
8 / a b c d e f g h
2 24 ... ~fS 25.\Wa3 @g8 26.lt:Jfl 8'.f7 27.ctJe3
~ ~e6=
a b C d e f g h
Conclusion
19 ... ~eS! 20.a4 (20.ixh7? f5) 20 .. JkS
2 l.~b3 b6 22.ie4 ~t7 23.E&acl id6= With This chapter rook us into more main line
a solid position for the second player.
territory after l .e4 c5 2.c3 ct:Jf6 3.e5 ct:Jd5
4.ct:Jf.3 e6 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 d6. White has a
dangerous sacrifice after 7.ctJc3 ctJxc3 8.bxc3
~c7! 9.id2 ct:Jd7 10.id3!? when I have
managed to find a path to equality, though
probably not more.
I also spent a lot of time analysing 7.a3 id7!?
8.id3 ic6 9.0-0 ct:Jd7, concluding that Black
has excellent chances. The game will remain
double-edged, but the variations presented
here provide Black with a solid positional basis
from which to begin the middlegame battle.
a b c d e f g h
18 ... ~b4 19.~d2 8'.c8 20.\Wbl ~xd2
Riskier is 20 ... g6!? 21.lxb4!? (2 l .ie4 itJc3=;
21.ixg6 f5 2L1h5 ixd2 23.~xd2 IWgS
24.l~Ydl CtJc3 25.~f3 ~xd2 26.Wg3t ~'h8
27.~eSt=) 2 l...ct:Jxb4 22.ixg6 f5 23.ihS
~c2 24.'~b3 ct:Jxal 25.:Sxal ~hsx
c3 Sicilian
a b c d e f g h
7.ic4
Variation Index
1.e4 c5 2.c3 ~f6 3.e5 ~d5 4.~f3 e6 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 d6 7.~c4 ~c6 8.0-0
8 ...~e7
A) 9.~c3 137
B) 9.~xd5 138
C) 9.exd6!? 139
CI) 9 ...~xd6 139
C2) 9 ...~xd6!? 141
D) 9.~d2 142
E) 9.a3 0-0 144
El) 10.~d3 ~d7 ll.~e2 ~c8 12.~e4 f5
13.exf6 ~xf6 14.~e2 d5 15.~c3 145
Ell) 15 ...~d6 145
E12) 15 .. .'De8!? 146
E2) 10.~el ~d7 147
E21) 11.~d2!? 147
E22) 11.~bd2 150
E23) 11.~d3 152
A) after 15 .!a6 El I) after l 7.h3 E23) after 12.!d2
s YD~ 1/:'iWJA*L"
7 ,:i ' ;/ ...t:/•;• ' '
6
5
?J'S).&
,/,;~··
' - ~
4 }j
3 2tJ. ~ .· l1:J···. fj
2 ;!J WI fj fj
1 g /g,@
15 ... E.1d8!N 17 .. .c2ih5!N 12 ... dxeS!N

Chapter 8 - 7 .~c4 137
l.e4 cS 2.c3 lbf6 3.eS lbdS 4.lbf3 e6 S.d4 and E respectively) 10 ... ctJxc3 l l.bxc3 dxe5
cxd4 6.cxd4 d6 7.~c4 12.ctJxeS ctJxe5 13.:Sxe5 Wc7 14.Wd3 id7
A standard development for this bishop: 15.id2 (15.ifl idG 16Jk5 ic6 is slightly
placing it on a square where it cannot be better for Black) 15 ... :Sac8 l 6.ib3 ifG l 7.:Sh5
purposefully annoyed by the black knights, g6 18.:Se 1 b5 l 9.:Se3
while also keeping the d-file open. TI1e
alternatives, all considered in the previous
chapter, allow Black an easy game where he has
decent chances to play for a win.
a b c d e f g h
l 9 ... b4! 20.:Sc5 Wd6 2 l .cxb4 ixd4 22.:Sxc8
:Sxc8i Black went on to win in Eschmann -
Caruana, Winterthur 2007.
7 ... lbc6 8.0-0 ie7

Black is relying on solid developing moves
and is preparing to castle. After he does that,
he will be ready to attack White's overextended
centre. White has tried several continuations
in an effort to build his position in the best
possible way but, as the following pages will
show, if Black reacts alertly it will be impossible
for White to reach an ideal set-up.
We will consider A) 9.Ctk3, B) 9.ixdS,

C) 9.exd6!?, D) 9.id2 and E) 9.a3.
The main line 9.We2 is the topic of Chapter 9.
One last possibility is 9.:Sel, which should

normally transpose to other lines of our 9 ... lbxc3 I0.bxc3 dxeS 11.lbxeS lbxeS
repertoire. A deviation that we should 12.dxeS Wfxdl! 13.~xdl id7
only consider as a gift is: 9 ... 0-0 10.ctJc3?! White has a worse pawn formation and must
110.exdG!? ixdG l l.ctJc3 hG and 1O.a3 id7 play accurately to make a draw.
lead to positions we look at in variations C2
138 c3 Sicilian
14.~bl?! B) 9.~xd5 exd5 10)tk3 ~e6 11.~f4 dxe5

14.a4! a6 15.ie2! ic6 16.if3!N ixf3 12.CLlxeS ~cs 13.~el 0-0
17.gxf3 :i:k8 18.§'.bl §'.c7 19.ik3 f6 20.ib6
§'.d7 21.ie3 §'.xdlt 22.§'.xdl fxe5 23.§'.bl
b5 24.axb5 axb5 25.§'.xb5 @f7 26.§'.xe5 §'.c8
27.id4 if6 28.§'.e4 ixd4 29.cxd4= is actually
the way for White to proceed, bur it involves
finding a series of accurate moves.
This sequence that has occurred in a number

of games: White gives up his light-squared
bishop, makes a few natural developing moves,
and hopes to draw the symmetric position that
arises. However, I think that Black's bishop
a b c d e f g h
pair is quite an important factor in this type of
14 ... b6! structure, and that he enjoys a small bur lasting
14 ... ic6 15.ib5 ixb5 16.§'.xb5 b6 17.ie3 advantage. I will give a couple of examples to
§'.d8 18.§'.db 1!= allows White to draw rather substantiate my opinion.
easily by pushing the a-pawn.
14.~cl
15.~a6 ~d8!N 14.cthc6 8'.xc6 l 5.~d3N (15.~h5?! §'.c4
l 5 ... ic5, as played in Arribas Robaina, 16.§'.adl ~d7 l 7.~f3 8'.fc8 l 8.§'.d3 b5! l 9.~g3
- Galego, Santa Clara 2005, allows the b4 20.ct:Jd 1 gc2+ left White almost paralysed
somewhat surprising 16.ie3!N ixe3 l 7.fxe3 in Cordel - Lorin, corr. 2008) l 5 ... ~d7 16.h3
@e7 l 8.§'.b4! (intending §'.c4) 18 ... icS 19.ib5 ( l 6Jhc 1 §'.fc8+ is not a clear equalizer either)
§'.d8 20.§'.xd8 @xd8 2 l .§'.g4 g6 22.§'.d4 t @e7 16 ... §'.fcS l 7.a3 gc4 18.~g3 b5 19_ge3 if8+
23.a4= when White has eliminated all his This line illustrates a typical way for Black to
problems. increase the pressure: doubling rooks on the
c-file, and then pushing the b-pawn to evict
16.~e3 0-0:l: the guardian knight from c3.
White is fighting to draw, as it is not easy
for him to get rid of his weak pawns. Black 14 .. .CLlxeS 15.~xeS '.Wd7 16.'.Wd3 ~fe8
is ready to contest the d-file by ... ia4, and 17.'.Wg3 f6 18.~f4
I would really rate his winning chances as This happened in Narciso Dublan - Comas
significant - especially against a somewhat Fabrego, Mataro 2005, and now I like the
weaker opponent. following improvement:
Chapter 8 - 7 .!c4 139
space will offer him good attacking chances.

I would like to present both recaptures on d6:
Cl) 9 ... W'xd6 and C2) 9 ... .ixd6!?.
Cl) 9 ... W'xd6 10.ctJc3 0-0 11.El:el ~d8!?
'I/,
,1
I
a b c d e f g h
18 ....idS!?Ni
Black holds the advantage, as the bishop is
.:oming to b6 to put the d4-pawn under siege.
_-\n important remark to be made is that in all
these positions White seems to be lacking a
a b c d e f g h
.:!ear plan. There are no strongpoints for his
bishop and knight, and his light squares are This has been the standard way of treating
particularly weak. It is not surprising that this variation so far. Black should be okay, but I
Black has scored only wins and draws in this have my reservations about the line. The main
,.-ariation. one was that this is the type of game where
we have to defend most of the time, with few
C) 9.exd6!? chances of getting anything more than a draw.
12 ..ih3
l 2.a3!? is an interesting possibility, as
.I 12 .. .CDb6?! 13.!d3!N ~xd4 14.~e5 ~f5
l 5.CDb5t is too dangerous for my taste and is
perhaps even worse for Black.
l 2 ... a6! is correct, but that represents some
sort of gain for White. He didn't have to lose
a tempo by retreating his bishop to b3, and
therefore has some extra options due to the
useful move a2-a3.
12 ... ctJf6 13.ctJbS!?

a b c d e f g h Black is fine after l 3.!e3, as the bishop's
So far we have looked at two moves that passive placement does not put Black under
,houldn't cause Black any trouble. This pressure. If I were Black I would be more
:Tv 1s a more serious one: White opts for concerned about the text move.
-111 IQP position, and hopes that his extra
13 ... W'd7 14 ..if4
140 c3 Sicilian
The real expert of the position-French super- 21 ... ~e6! 22.ixe7 ~e8! 23.ctJxf7! ~xe7
GM Romain Edouard - now demonstrated a 24.ixd5 ie6 25.ixaS ihaS 26.CtJe5 ixa2=
way out for Black: Another line where play bails out to a
completely drawish position.
18 ... CtJxeS 19.dxeS ~e8 20.~d2!

So far, we have been followingAsis Gargatagli
- Edouard, Leon 2012. At this point Romain
missed the best defensive course, which was:
a b c d e f g h
14 ....ih4! 15J~e2 a6!
15 ... ia5 takes the bishop too far away from
the kingside, allowing 16 ..ig5!t.
16.CtJc3!
I 6)tJc7!?N ~h7! l 7.d5 exd5 l 8.'llxd5 'llxd5
l 9.~xd5 ~xd5 20 ..ixd5 .if5= forces a draw if
White wants one.
16 ... bS 17 ..igS .ie7 18.CtJeS!

l 8.d5!?N 'llxd5! (l 8 ... 'lla5 l 9.dxe6 ~xd 1t
20.'llxd 1 'llxb3 2 l.exf7t xf7 22.'lle5t fS 21..ixe7 ~xe7 22.~f3 gbs 23.gadl .ih7
23.axb3 .ib7±/= is a position where Black 24.~e3 ~f8 25.~d6 ~xd6 26.exd6 ~d7co
should eventually equalize in spite of the minus
pawn, but in my view it is more pleasant to
play as White.) l 9.'llxd5 exd5 20Jhe7! 'llxe7
2 l.'lle5
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 8 - 7 .iic4 141
The situation is rather unclear, in spite of the

dangerous-looking passed pawn on d6.
To conclude, 9 ... Wxd6, although objectively
okay, leads to the type of positions I would like
to avoid as Black. Thus, Kozul's idea finally
came to the fore as the best practical solution.
C2) 9 ... iixd6!?
a b c d e f g h
12 ... ctJxc3N 13.bxc3 b6 14.id3 ib7 15.ic2

ctJe7 16.Wd3 ctJg6= Black has coordinated his
defence just in time and has a fair share of the
chances.
l 2.ib3 ctJf6
After this suggestion by John Shaw I don't
see any reason why Black should be worse.
For example:
13.ctJeS!?N
a b c d e f g h 13.ie3 b6 14.dSN (14.We2 ib7 15Ji'.ad1
like Zdenko Kozul's treatment the most ctJe7! 16.ctJeS 4Jed5~ left Black in an
here, seeking an active deployment of the excellent state in Coimbra - Oliveira,
black forces. Lisbon 2011) 14 ... exdS 15.ctJxdS ib7= is
completely equal
IO)Dc3 o-o 11.~el h6
1his can be considered a tabiya for Kozul's
idea. An important argument in favour of his
configuration is that e7 has been freed for the
=1lack knights, and that the f4-square is under
:surveillance.
12JWd3
This looks like the most logical way
to treat White's side, and is also the top
recommendation of the engines (although
a b c d e f g h
1dmittedly only by a small margin). 1he idea
.:ould be to create a battery on the b 1-h 7 13 ... ic7!?
diagonal. 13 ... ixeS 14.dxeS Wxdl 15.ixdl ctJd5 is
satisfactory too.
l 2.h3 creates the threat of taking on d5, but 14.ie3 4Jxe5 15.dxeS ixe5 16.icS ixc3
-1.fter: l 7.ixf8
l 7.bxc3 ~e8 18.\Wf.3 Wa5! is okay for Black.
142 c3 Sicilian
17 ... ~xdl 18.§exdl ixb2 19.§abl ~xf8 I3.~e2 b6 I4.lLle4

20.§xb2 id7= l 4.a3 ctJxc3 l 5.bxc3 CDd5 l 6.id2 ib7 is
With two pawns for the exchange, I think more than okay for Black.
we are in excellent shape.
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h I4 ... ~b7! I5.a3 CtJc616.~xdS exd517.ltlxd6
I2 .. .lDcb4!N ~xd6 I8.b4 a6=
I think this is a slight improvement over The chances are completely balanced, and
Kozul's play, completely equalizing the chances. due to the opposite-coloured bishops a draw is
In Stevie - Kozul, Stari Mikanovci (rapid) the most likely outcome.
2010, the Croatian maestro played 12 .. .Ctke7,
giving his opponent the opportunity to play: D) 9.~d2
a b c d e f g h
13.~eS!N±
Instead, Stevie chose 13 .ib3 b6 14 .ic2 CD f6
l 5.~e5, which should have led to approximate A logical move at this point: White wishes
equality after 15 ... ixeS!? 16.dxe5 ~xd3 to develop without allowing any damage to his
17.ixd3 c2Jfd5 18.CDxdS ctJxd5=. pawn structure.
After my improvement, play is most likely to 9 ... 0-0 I0.ltJc3 dxeS!

continue as follows: The alternative method of implementing our
'I
Chapter 8 - 7 .ilc4 143
plan is 1O... ct.'l b6 11.ibS id 7, but it is slightly 12.ib3 ct.'la5!

riskier due to: l 2 ... ct:Jd7!? l 3.if4! ct.'lc5 14.®b 1! ct.'lxb3
15.axb3 ct:Jd4 16.®dl!± gave White some
chances to apply pressure in BarmikiM -
Ludving, engine game 2011.
13.ic2
13.®e2 ct.'ixb3 14.axb3 id7= 1s okay for
Black.
8
7
6
1~1 .a.
~~-~~
x~
~-*•
~•.t.~~-r~•
w~
~,~
i~ .a. t~di .a.
wf. ~ ~
,,~/,//~.% .;,.mm.
..... ~m
~~ :f@i %.??{~ ~
5 ;~' ~ 1c_y ~
//
4
3'~
~ ~ W? W?
/,,.; ~tlJ~
I
2 o fd~~
(. ,,,;,~
;P~
a b
.V.M[=
A ~A~ 1+-, ~~;:
c
J,u/;;
d
~Ni oA ~Ni.
::cf:,
:,,,,;
e f g
fc:_y
;:,; ,,, %
I 13 ... ct:Jac4! l 4.®e2 ct.'lxd2 l 5.ct.'lxd2 id7

16.ct.'Jde4 ic6 17.gadl ct.'id7!
11.dxeS ~ b6! In the case of l 7 ... ®c7 the pseudo-sacrifice
l 8.ct.'Jf6t! causes us a slight annoyance,
although even here Black should be okay in
the long run: l 8 ... ixf6 l 9.exf6 ®f4! 20.fxg7
gfd8 2 l.ie4 ct.'la4! 22.ilxc6 ct.'lxc3 23.bxc3
bxc6 24.®a6 ®c7±1=
18.ct:Jd6 ®a5! 19.f4 gad8N
l 9 ... ®b6t 20.gf2 wasn't as convincing for
Black in Alfjoo- Neapus, engine game 2012.
After the text move, Black has reached full
equality. A possible sequel is:
20.~h l ixd6 2 l.gxd6 ct:Jc5 22.md1 gxd6
23.gxd6 ®b4 24.1Wd2 g6=
a b c d e f g h l 2.ie2 is best answered by: l 2 ... ct:Jd7!? l 3.if4

The knight retreats but the black position g5!? l 4.ie3! (14.ig3 g4 l 5.ct.'Jd4 ct.'idxe5
gains in potential, as the white bishop does not l 6.ixg4 f5! 17.ixeS 'LJxe5 18.ie2 if6N
have good squares to flee to. 19.gcl a6! 00 is another important variation,
guaranteeing Black fine chances.) 14 ... ct:JdxeS
12.ilhs 15.ctJxeS At this point I would like to
The trickiest possibility. recommend a clear-cut equalizer for Black:
144 c3 Sicilian
s;iR B +~•R
7R.tR ~ifli
6i~ BiB
~ ~ B ~
;/,,
m /~ fl] B
sB ~ % /,,/,
RR RR
3-
4
2
~
A f~tUUf~ ~ ~
//.,,,,
0 ?'Q;; gfff/ ~
-~-
f~ A f~
?'O;; 0 ?'O;;;
~
f''{,,.,/,• . ,,,,,~./,.,,,/,(/'//{''''/,
P~ B:B ~~
a b c d e f g h
16.~gS ~dS I7.~xe7 '\Wxe7=
The strongpoint on d5 outweighs the slight
s ;iR.tB/,~ %~~••
y%'l ~
weakness of the c5-pawn, and the chances can
:-IR
¥i\i1Jfi¥~,
%'l% ~ . be considered even. Thus 9.id2, although
interesting, poses no real threat to our system.
s '#fjltJ~R~ E) 9.a3
:~~R,~
2
~~·,~{· ,,.;~·~ ~W%
81~ ~ 1~81~
~~;-~
~•••t''"'/,B/u;u~-/,,,,,/,/"/'~/,,,,,/,
1 f~ BVllB:~
a b c d e f g h
I2 ... a6!
I was a bit amazed to find out that this is the
best reaction here, letting White weaken our
structure with gain of time. But a bishop is a
bishop, and it must be taken!
My original intention was to suggest 12 ... id7, One of the most commonly played moves,
but then I realized that, with the d-pawns which has a prophylactic nature. It deserves
gone, White has 13.ie3! stopping ... ltJb4. serious attention, as White intends to set up
Black stands worse, even if only slightly, and the typical battery id3, VfJ e4 without being
the text is much stronger. harassed by ... ltJ b4 sallies.
I3.~xc6 bxc6 I4.'\Wc2 ~h7 ISJ:Hdl cS 9 ... 0-0

The light-squared bishop has found a White can decide between the direct
beautiful diagonal, and Black is already attacking approach with El) I0.~d3, or the
enjoying fine prospects. refined course E2) IOJ~el.
Chapter 8 - 7 .ic4 145
El) IO.id3 id7 1 IJWe2 As in the earlier part of the chapter on

page 139, I would like to give the reader a
11.Ei'.el!? Ei'.c8 12.~bd2 dxe5 13.dxeS Wc7 choice of continuations: El I) 15 ... id6 or the
transposes to variation E22. untested El2) 15 ... ctJeS!?N.
Ell) 15 ... id6
This leads to a lively struggle where Black has

good chances.
16.igS
16.h3 h6, intending ... ct'lh5, should be
pleasant for Black.
16 ... ~eS!?
16 ... Wb6 17.Ei'.adl @h8 18.ibl±, as played
in Adianto - Zhang Zhong, Beijing 2008, is
a b c d e f g h better for White in my opinion.
1I..Jk8 12.~e4
I don't believe that White has anything 17.h3
special in this line.
s RARtvi~•R
.-,r,,•
12 ... fS I3.exf6 cbxf6 14.~e2 dS
Black simply gets a good version of a French 7
flaR.tR •a
Tarrasch structure. 6
5
R'l)~a•~,~
R
4 %;:ff;;.
::,;::/;:?; .
m~ . ~ . " •
/,,,,/ ~. /~
r~ fDilReLJR ~
3
•r1dta
a ~~" \'""" ~
2 ""~
r"' .,~.
r~
a b
a:~
c d e f g h
17 ... ctJhS!N
An important improvement over Andronov
- Sklyarov, Joensuu 2008, which went
17 ... WhS?! 18.Ei'.fel Ei'.ce8 19.Wd2 h6 20.ie3
a b c d e f g h g5 2 l .ct'le2! Ei'.e7 22.ct'leS Ei'.g7 23.ct'lg3± with a
15.ltk3 clear advantage for White.
l 5.if4?! does not impress in view of
15 ... ~hS 16.id ~f4 17.ixf4 Ei'.xf4 18.We3 18.~c2!?
ld6 19. ct'l bd2 :§:f8+, with the better game for 18 Jhd 1 a6 19 .ib 1 ct'l f4 20 .ixf4 Ei'.xf4
Black. 2U~fel Wd8 22.Wd3 g6 23.ct'le2 ms
146 c3 Sicilian
24.We3 We7+ is a tad better for Black, due to

his two bishops and control over e5.
E12) 15 ... ttJeS!?N
19.j,xh7t @h8 20.j,g6 '\Wfs 21.'\Wdl ttJxd4

22.j,xhs
White should probably be able to maintain
the balance.
22.Wxd4? c2:lf4 23.Wd 1 does not look healthy,

in view of:
I like this non-standard manoeuvre here;

designed to arrange a configuration with a
knight on f5 and bishop on d6. After this is
achieved, Black will have interesting attacking
a b c d e f g h chances.
23 ... 'Llxh3t! 24.gxh3 ie8! 25.'Lle4! (25.ixe8?

I 6.j,e3 ttJ d6 17 J:He I
Wf5-+ or 25.ib 1 ih5-+) 25 ... dxe4 26.ixe4
17.§adl itJf5 18.ibl id6 19.Wd3 Wes
§f4! 27.f3 §c5 28.h4 ic7! With a powerful
20.h3 Wh5 does not change much.
attack for Black.
32.~xfS! El:xfS 33.~d7! El:c2 34.~xd6 ~xgS

35.~dst @f7=
E2) 10.El:el
a b c d e f g h
17 .. .lbfs 18Jfadl ild6 19.~bl ~e8 20.~d3
~hS 21.h3 ctJ ce7!
After activating all his forces, Black starts
to bring more pieces to the kingside to attack
a b c d e f g h
the white king. The fight is already very
complicated: what follows is a sample line with White will post his queen on d3 and, after
some exciting tactical shots, which I hope the developing the queenside pieces, opt for
reader will enjoy playing through. ia2-b 1 - forcing a weakness in the enemy
castled position.
22.~d2 l2Jg6 23.ctJgS!? l2Jgh4 24.g4 ~g6
25.ctJe2! I0 ... ~d7
25.~h 1? h6+ or 25.gxfS? :§'.xfS+. In the final split of the chapter, White
can play E21) II.ild2!?, E22) 11.ctJbd2 or
25 ... h6 26.t2Jf3 ~e8!! 27JHI hS 28.ctJgS E23) ll.~d3.
hxg4 29.hxg4
E21) 11.~d2!?
The circumstances are different from those a

couple of moves ago. In the present case, the
route to equality seems to be:
1 l...~c8 12.ctJc3
l 2.id3 ctiaS~ is fine for Black.
12 ... dxeS!
l 2 ... ctixc3 l 3.ixc3 dS (13 ... ctlxeS 14.dxeS
:§'.xc4 l 5.exd6 if6 16.ixf6 gxf6 17.:§'.cl
:§'.xcl 18.~xcl± is a position I don't like from
a b c d e f g h Black's point of view, Potapov - Ki. Georgiev,
29 ... ~bS!! 30.~xbS ctJf3t! 31.@g2! ctJxd2 Khanry-Mansiysk [rapid] 2013) l 4.id3± This
is known to slightly favour White, as he has
148 c3 Sicilian
more or less achieved a harmonious attacking g1v111g his opponent that 'little something'
configuration. c3 Sicilian players are forever angling for:
13.dxeS l2Jcb4!? 8
This position is, surprisingly, untested at the
highest level. I am going to offer some analysis
6
to support my opinion that Black stands fine:
5
4
3
2
a b c d e f g h
22 ... d4?! This weakens both the d-pawn and
the king by allowing the precious e6-bishop to
be exchanged. (After something like 22 ... a5!?N
23.Wif3 gc5 24.gedl gb5 25.ixd5 gdxd5
26.gxd5 gxd5 27.gxdS ixd5 28.WixdS Wxb2=
the game would have been easily drawn.)
a b c d e f g h 23.ixeG VflxeG 24.Wle4! Wid5 25.WixdS gxd5
26.f4 gb5 27.b4 gd5 28.gedl gc4 29.Wf2
14.ltJxdS!N
a5 30.bxaS ~f8 31.gb 1 gxa5 32.gxb7 gxa3
I believe this to be by far the most critical
33.gd7 gaa4 34.g3±/± In due course White
line, as it saddles Black with an isolated pawn.
made masterly use of his advantage, and went
on to win the ending.
Instead, 14.ifl ltJxc3 15.ixc3 ltJd5 16.id4
was played in Jo. Hodgson - Snape, Coulsdon
Finally, 14.axb4 2'.xc4 15.Wie2 is designed
2008. The obvious 16 ... icGN l 7.id3 ltJb6+
leaves Black with the slightly superior chances. to create some imbalance, yet after the rook
switch:
14 _ge4 is rather artificial. After 14 ... ltJ xc3
l 5.ixc3 icG! l 6.gd4 ltJd5 l 7.Wlb3 ic5
18.gd2 Wlc7 l 9.id4 ixd4 20.gxd4 ltJb6t
Black was controlling events in Goodger -
Rawlinson, Sunningdale 2007.
14.ib3 has the same purpose as the text, yet

after 14 ... ltJd3 15.ltJxd5 exd5 16.ia5! Wlxa5
17.Wlxd3 ieG 18.h4 WlbG 19.gadl gfd8
20.gd2 g6 2 l .ltJg5 ixg5 22.hxg5 Black had
a fine position in Potapov - Zhou, Chotowa a b c d e f g h
2010 - his d-pawn is unassailable and his king
l 5 ... gg4! Black is fine. 16.ltJxdS exd5 l 7Jha7
is well protected. However, his very next move
Wlb6=
proved to be an instructive positional error,
Chapter 8 - 7 .JLc4 149
14 .. .CllxdS 15.ii.xdS exdS l 6.h3 is a way to avoid ... !g4 incursions, but
White has carried out his positional Black is okav after: 16 ... .ifS l 7.~d4 (l 7.ib4
operation, saddling us with an isolani. The !e4 l 8.!xe7 Wxe7 l 9.~d4 gc4~) l 7 ...!e4=
only question remaining is whether he can The bishop on e4 is an excellent piece.
successfully blockade the dS-pawn and then
make use of his kingside pawn majority. The 16 ... ~b6!
cinswer is that the blockade can be achieved - Black prepares a doubling of rooks on
but Black's pieces are so strong that White can the c-file, to outweigh White's domination
make no further progress. over d4.
17.ii.c3
After l 7.ie3 Wxb2 18.gbl Wxa3 l 9.gxb7
gfd8 20.Wal h6 2I.gxa7 Wxal 22.gaxal !b4
23.gedl ic3= the game is obviously dead
level.
a b c d e f g h
16.t2:'id4
Undoubtedly the most pressing option.
: 6.Wb3 allows Black to activate his bishop:
18 .. J:HcS 19.h3 ~g6!

Black has activated his pieces to the
maximum and the draw is unavoidable. Play
could continue:
a b c d e f g h
20.~xg6 hxg6 21.E!:edl gS 22J§:d3 iih7
: 6 ...!g4! Black has no problems. After l 7.~d4 23.ii.d2 ii.cs
: -.h3 .ixf.3 18.Wxf.3 Wb6 19.WxdS !cs 23 ... ~g6=
.:o.ie3 .ixe3 2 l .gxe3 Wxb2=) there comes
: - ... gc4 18.id ic5, and White cannot keep 24.ii.e3 ii.xd4 2S.ii.xd4 ii.fS 26.E!:ddl b6
~:1e blockade on d4. 27 .ii.e3 ~e4 28.E!:xdS ii.e6=
150 c3 Sicilian
E22) 11. ct:J bd2
a b c d e f g h
13 ... aS!
13 ... 0Jcb4 is slightly better for White after
the accurate sequence: l 4.2'.e4! b5 l 5.!e2!
a b c d e f g h (15.ifl ®c2! 16.2'.el ®xdl 17.2'.xdl 0Jc2
A logical attacking gesture: White wants 18.2'.b 1 2'.fc8 19.id3 0Jxa3 20.bxa3 4Jc3 00 )
to use e4 as an attacking base for his knight. 15 .. .tt'ic6 16.id3 2'.fd8 17.®e2 a6 18.h4
However, he will never get that far. !e8 19.!d2:t
14.!xdS exd5 15.4Jbd4
11...dxeS!? 12.dxeS °1Wc7! There is obviously no advantage for White
Surprisingly, this powerful move, stopping after 15.®xdS !e6 16.®bS 2'.ad8 l 7.ie3
ct:Je4, has been played only once. I think it 2'.d5 18.®e2 0Jxe5 19.4Jbd4=.
leads to interesting positions where Black is at l 5 ... 4Jxd4 l 6.4Jxd4 2'.fe8oo
least equal. Let us examine some possibilities Black has an isolani but runs no risk of being
for White: worse, in view of his two bishops and overall
activity. Play could continue:
I3 ..iid3N 17.!d2 !c5 18.2'.cl ®b6 19.!c3 2'.ac8
I think that redirecting the bishop's fire 20.®d3 a4 21.h3 ®g6 22.®xg6 hxg6=
towards h7 is the most principled way of
playing. Finally, 13. b4 has been the only try in practice
so far, but it gives Black a target for counterplay:
Plain equality results from: 13.4Je4N 4Jxe5
14.!xdS 4Jxf3t l 5.®xf3 exd5 l 6.4Jc3 !e6
17.ctJxdS !xd5 18.®xdS !f6 l 9.ie3=
13.4Jb3N
Freeing the cl-bishop, but we have gained
from the knight's failure to land on e4 or
c4. White's position has lost its attacking
potential.
a b c d e f g h
13 ... bS! 14.!xdS!N (14.ib3?! a5+ is already

slightly worse for White, and after l 5.bxa5 14.\Wc2

4Jxa5 l 6.4Je4 4Jxb3 l 7.'1Wxb3 b4 l 8.ig5 ia4!+ The most direct attempt to weaken our
he went down quickly in Luk - Novikovas, defences. In this way, White also finds time to
corr. 2003.) l 4 ... exd5 15.CU b3!? (15.ib2 a5+; transfer his queen to the kingside.
15.CUb 1 ie6 l 6.4Jc3 4Jxe5 17.4Jxd5 4Jxf3t
18.\Wxf3 ixd5 19.~xd5 if6 20Jfbl a6=) Instead, 14.ib 1 gfdS does not offer White
anything special now, for example: 15.h4 ie8
16.\We2 g6 17.\We4
a b c d e f g h
l 5 ... a5!? l 6.ig5! ixg5 l 7.4Jxg5 axb4

( l 7 ... h6 l 8.4Jxt7!:::,'_)) l 8.\Wxd5 ~d8 19.4Jc5 a b c d e f g h
ig4 20.'1Wxc6 '1Wxg5 2 l.axb4 gxa 1 22.gxa 1 17 ... 4Jb6! l 8.h5 (l 8.4Jb3 4Jd7 l 9.ig5 ixg5
~xe5 23.gfl h6= 20.hxg5 '1Wb6 2 l.ia2 a5~) 18 ... 4Jd7 19.hxg6
hxg6 20.4Jc4 lud4! 2 l .\Wxd4 '1Wxc4 22.'1We3
4Jc5 23.\Wh6 '1Wg4 24.ig5 ixg5 25.4Jxg5
\Wh5 26.\Wxh5 gxh5=
After 14.4Jc4 b5! l 5.4Jd6 ixd6 16.exd6 '1Wxd6

l 7.ixb5 4Jce7 18.id3 gfd8 the position is
certainly unbalanced, but Black's piece activity
seems to ounveigh the enemy bishops.
14... g6 ISJWc4 El:fd8 I6JWg4 ile8

Black has coordinated his defence and White
has to make a decision about the future of the
d3-bishop. The computers give:
17.ilfl!
White would like to keep the bishop trained
on the kingside with 17.ibl, but after:
17 ... h5 18.'1Wg3 ifS 19.ia2 (19.4Je4? 4Jxe5!+
is a major point, since 20.4Jxe5 \Wxc 1 2 l .4Jf6t
4Jxf6 22.ixg6 \Wh6! 23.ixt7t ~h7 24.ixe6
Instead, U .. Jfad8 14.ib 1!?t gives White the h4 25.\Wh3 gc7 leaves White with insufficient
easier position to play. compensation.)
152 c3 Sicilian
E23) 1UWd3
a b c d e f g h
l 9 .. .Ctke7 20.CtJd4 (20.4Je4 4Jf5 2 l .~h3
ie7+) 20 ... ~b6 2 l .4J2f3 ibS 22.igS ic4+
The advantage seems to lie with Black.
a b c d e f g h
White continues with his original plan of
setting up the battery.
11 ... ~cS
Placing the rook opposite to the white
bishop looks like the strongest move.
12.Jid2
White is finally ready to develop the
bl-knight.
24 ... f6 25.Jih6 ~b8 26.a4 l2Jb3 27.~adl

@f7=
With a complicated ending, which I am
tempted to describe as easier to play for Black.
Objectively, however, it should be equal.
12 ... dxeS!N
Black is trying to exploit the uncertainty
along the d-file.
I think 12 ... a6 is too slow:

r
I
Chapter 8 - 7 .id 153
s 1Hi a~ .?e.\
:::::<x>)
®1 :;.~(~ :;JP;
:~: '§" \>::::~
14.ixdS Wxd5 15.®xdS exd5 16.CLic3 gd8=
7 >(;"~ , . (/,;; j_ ·~ ,. ;j; ,. is pleasant for Black, as the d-pawn cannot be
t{l.:~,?~,.~ ~&)<>&; "{ j/// blockaded properly. Still, White should be able
6 • i,;;J ~ ;;~ • ,1r;;; to draw by exercising some care.
5 ~~ 122 I.Al tf}J
4 J:(): M irii<
(~/:,,~ ~ /Q:.
;P://,/,/> l 4.ib3 prepares to set up the battery. I found
the following equalizing line of play for us:
3 2:ti°ii221 ~ fJ
,~~~.!.~•*•
14 ... CLic7! 15.We4
73 :~ }JI tJ
t~:i:2/'';~f '~
2
8
a b c d e f g h 7 f~l.~111 ~,.~,.
.ii••
I3.ia2! (l 3.CLic3 CLixc3 l 4.ixc3 d5! l 5.ia2 6 . / f:f;f{.: if:f;fa 'a(~f ~
:1;m~%% • ~J Jm
~~a5 16.fi'.acl CLic4 17.ibl g6~ is our ::;;;:;:: ;ff;; I~ %~
S ?J:fj ;ff ::Q? J:i;j
preferred position, bur I think after the subtle
I3.ia2! it is impossible to reach it.) 13 ... dxeS 4 il
3 /1i~ M ~
14.dxeS CLia7 (14 ... ieS 15.\We4± is now better ::Q;' ~ ;~(//;, , ~(';'\~fa
,:;:/;;,;: ~. /,,/',,;;'{
II ~or White, as Black has wasted a tempo on 2 r!{// ·-~--, }~J;r?(]
:he useless ... a6.) 15.ixdS! ib5 16.®e3! exd5 ?~~,~ p~ ~
J 7.CLic3± Black has an isolani in the centre and a b c d e f g h
:1is men are somewhat awkwardly placed -
15 ... CLi b5! l 6.ie3 (l 6.ic2 g6 l 7.ih6 CLicd4
~ranting White a slight plus.
18.ixfS ixf8 l 9.CLixd4 CLixd4 20.gd I gxc2
21.Wxc2 ic6 22.gxd4 ®xd4 23.CLic3 ®g4
13.dxeS ~e8!
24.f3 ixf3 25.gfl ic6~ is a position with
This is the point: Black tries to harass the
excellent compensation for Black, bur probably
:-nemy forces before they can reach an optimal
no more.) 16 ... CLiaS l 7.ic2 g6 18.CLibd2 ic6
.:onfiguration. The immediate threat is ... CL\ b6.
l 9.\Wd3 ixf3 20.CLixf3 CLic4=
l 4.Jia2 is a more patient method of trying to

set up the battery, yet after 14 ... h6 15.®e4
ic5 l 6.Wg4 ~h8 l 7.Wh3 (l 7.CLic3 CL\xc3
18.ixc3 CLie7= is perfectly okay for Black)
17 ... ~gS! White has to swallow his pride and
11 play l 8.Wg4=, drawing.
Instead, 18.ixh6?! is met stunningly with:
a b c d e f g h
l-1.~e4
A. different \vay to configure the white pieces
. :-: the b l-h7 diagonal.
154 c3 Sicilian
l 8 ... ixf2t!! l 9.~xf2 °1Wb6t 20.~fl (20stg3 After 16.ctJgS g6 l 7.°1Wh4 hS 18.ixd5! exdS
ltlce7-,) 20 ... ctlce7! 21.g3 gxh6 22.°1Wxh6 f6! 19.ctld (19.~g3 L2ld4 20.ltld will transpose)
23.ixd5 ctlxdS 24.L2lbd2 gc7 25.ge4 gg7 l 9 ... ctld4 20.°1Wg3! the position is wild-looking,
26.~g2 fxeS+ Black has all the chances, due to but Black should be okay. For example:
his better pieces and the weaker enemy king.
5 i ;[y
4 l!§ 11)
3 ;:[y; ~
2 &
/~
a b c d e f g h
20 ... ltlc2 (20 ... ctle6= is the safe way to play)

21.gadl!? (21.e6 ltlxel 22.gxel gc7 23.if4
a b c d e f g h ge7+) 21...ctlxe 1 22.ixe 1 gc4 23.ctJxdS gg4
24.c2if6t °1Wxf6 25.exf6 gxg3 26.hxg3 ia4
14 ... i.cS
27.gcl ic6 28.ltlf.3 gdS~
This somewhat startling move comes to
Black's aid. Although the position is dangerous-
looking, I couldn't find anything for White.
15.h4
The immediate 15.igS?! allows l 5 ... °\Wb6+,
with a double attack on b2 and f2.
After l 5.id3?! fS! l 6.exf6 ctlxf6 17 .°1Wxe6t

if7+, Black is at least guaranteed of regaining
his pawn with the better position.
l 5.ltlg5 g6 16.~h4 is a decent try, yet after

16 ... hS 17.ixdS (17.g4? c2id4+) 17 ... exdS
l 8.ltlc3 c2id4!~ the weak light squares c2 and
fS provide Black with sufficient resources to
equalize - if not more.
15 ... i.h6
Now there is no pressure against b2, but
White still has to organize his somewhat
hanging position. 17.CLJhd2
The logical developing move.
16.~gS Again, 17.id3?! fails to 17 .. .fS l 8.exf6 ig6+.
Chapter 8 - 7 .~c4 155
17 .. .'Dce7! Conclusion
Black is close to achieving complete
coordination, while the gS-bishop is quite Chapter 8 saw us begin our coverage of
strangely placed. These two factors guarantee the critical 7.ilc4 variation. After 7 .. .Ctk6
Black equality. Play could go on: 8.0-0 ile7 9.exd6 I have given two options.
I personally prefer 9 ... ilxd6, but there is
nothing objectively wrong with 9 ... \Wxd6,
and I think it was instructive to present both
options.
Another important branch of the chapter
arose after the continuation 9.a3 0-0 1O.ild3
ild7 l 1.\We2 gc8 12.\We4 fS 13.exf6 ct'lxf6
l 4.\We2 dS l 5.ct'lc3 where I examined l 5 ... ild6
and l 5 ... ct'le8. Both options lead to rich tactical
battles, and my analysis will leave the readers
well-equipped to catch out an underprepared
opponent.
,I a b c d e f g h
II,
II'
18.gacl h6 19.~h4 CDfS 20.~hS gxcl!!
,ii' 2I.~xd7 gxel t 22.W'xel ~xd7 23.CDc4 gc8
!, 24.l2Jxb6 axh6 25.h3 gc3 26.~ds gxa3
27.W'd2 gc3=
Ii The game should be drawn.
111
,\II
11
,:11
II
I'
,J1
I
,11
c3 Sicilian
a b c d e f g h
9.ie2
Variation Index
1.e4 c5 2.c3 ctJf6 3.e5 ctJd5 4.ctJf3 e6 5.d4 cxd4
6.cxd4 d6 7 ..ic4 ctJc6 8.0-0 .ie7 9.~e2
9 ... 0-0
A) IOJ~dl 157
B) 10.~el 159
Bl) I0 ... b6!? 159
B2) I0 ... ~b6! 161
C) I0.ctJc3!? ctJxc3 11.hxc3 dxe5 I2.dxe5 ~c7 163
Cl) I3 ..id3 164
C2) I3.~e4 b6 165
C21) 14..id3 166
C22) I 4 ..ig5 167
D) I0.~e4 .id7 168
DI) 11.~el 170
D2) I L.id3 172
C2 l) note to 16.'.i''r:ad 1 D) note to move 11 D) note to move 11
8 i:
7 ~.\.'
6
5
4
19 ... 1=1d5!N 13 ... ~c6!N 16 ... 4Je4!N

Chapter 9 - 9.'We2 157
1.e4 cS 2.c3 ~f6 3.eS ~dS 4.~f3 e6 S.d4 14.afdl!®e5 (14 ... l2:lb615.ib3®e516.Wxe5
cxd4 6.cxd4 d6 7.~c4 ~c6 8.0-0 ~e7 9JWe2 ixe5 17.ie3~) 15.Wxe5 ixe5 16.l2:lxd5
Having examined White's 9th move exd5 17.ixd5= The game peters out to an
alternatives in detail in the previous chapter, we uneventful draw.
will now focus on our main line. Developing,
while also removing the possibility of a A) IOJ~dl
queen exchange along the d-file, looks like a
principled follow-up to White's play so far. This is a logical move, centralizing the rook
while defending the d4-pawn.
10 ... ~aS!
Black attacks the c4-bishop which, as it
turns out, has nowhere to flee. This move is
also possible against I O.ae 1, but here it is more
effective as the white rook is passively placed.
1I.b3
1 l .id3
This attempt to save the bishop 1s well
answered by:
11...lZ:l b4 l 2.exd6 ®xd6 13.ie4 f5! l 4.id3
a b c d e f g h l2:lxd3 15.axdJ!?
9 ... 0-0 15.®xd3 b6 l 6.l2:lc3 ib7 l 7.l2:le5 f4!
At this point we will consider A) IOJ~dl, l 8.l2:le4 Wd5 l 9.f3 aadS 20.b3 af5+ was
B) 10.~el, C) I0.~c3!? and D) I0JWe4. better for Black in Rublevsky - Caruana,
Dago mys 2009.
,1
10.exdG ixd6 l 1.l2:lc3 h6 12.ld2 l2:lce7 15 ... bG l 6.b4
,I
,,,I
UJhcl id7! 14.lZ:leS lc6= is approximately
balanced, with lively play for both sides.
1O.id2 allows 1O... Wb6 in this particular

,iruation, hitting b2 and d4 simultaneously.
l 1.l2:lc3 l2:lxd4 12.l2:lxd4 ®xd4 13.exdG ixd6
s .I .t
7 ric'
6
5 a b c d e f g h
4 l 6 ... l2:lc6!?N
3 16 ... l2:lc4 l 7.ac3 (17.ab3? b5 18.l2:lbd2
ib7 l 9.l2:lxc4 bxc4 20.ae3 id5+ gave Black
everything he could wish for in Roop -
Debashis, Dharamshala 2014) 17 ... bS l 8.a4
a b c d e f g h
158 c3 Sicilian
ib7 19.axbS ixf3 20.gxf3 4Jb6 2Uk6 11...~d7 12.~xdS exdS I3.Ctk3 ~e6 14.~a3
®xd4 22.ib2 ~d7= is just equal. ttJc6
17.bS 4Jb4 18.gb3 White's dark-squared strategy is rather
18.ia3 a5!!t harmless for Black. The bishop on e6 may
18 ... ib7 19.ia3 ixf3 20Jhf3 ®d7 2 l.4Jc3 appear bad, but one should never forget that
mes 22.gel gac8 23.®xe6t ®xe6 24.gxe6 a bishop is a bishop. The position is also
if6 25.gxeSt gxe8 26.g3 4Jc2 27.4Jd5 gel t semi-open, meaning that the chances are
28. ~g2 ixd4+ approximately balanced.
With a tiny edge for Black.
11.ixdS exd5 12.4Jc3 ie6 13.if4

This is considered quite drawish, in view
of the upcoming exchange of dark-squared
7.,811)•.2.R
s
6
•• ,.,R
B :B
i.B ..... / /~~*B
..... ~ B
bishops. A good line of play for Black is:
13 ... a6 sR Ra~ R
l 3 ... 4Jc6 14.exd6 ixd6 l 5.ixd6 ®xd6=
14.h3
14.b3 gcS 15.®e3 4Jc6 16.igS ixg5
17.4Jxg5 dxe5 18.dxeS d4 19.®f4 h6
20.4Jge4 ®a5 00 was unclear in Manca -
4
3
2
R ~BB
ffl!m "•f••
B •
/uu,/'.
bR RVf~b~
l ~- ..~
;//,,,,,
• •
BI1B ~
%71
i~--
Vocaturo, Porto San Giorgio 2006. 1~
a b c d e f g h
~~K:::&~~& 15.~acl
8 ~-
7 ~ ... ~~
~-~~ ~·r•~· After l 5.4J b5 dxe5 l 6.ixe7 ®xe7 17.dxeS
a6 18.4Jbd4 ig4! 19.h3 as in Tkachiev -
m•
6 ,. -~- •
Moiseenko, Villarrobledo (rapid) 2009, my
5~ .,. ~
preference is for: l 9 ... ixf3!?N 20.4Jxf3 gad8
4 • ~- 2 J .gd2 gfe8=
3~
~ ~-~~-b
//,,,.
W##
~-- ~
2 b f!f: ~Viif!f:
·"-
/,,/'.
b-~~
~-
1s.. Jks I6.h3
1~~ /,Y ~M~
~ ~ ~
/,,;,;
16.4Jb5 dxe5 17.ixe7 ®xe7 18.4Jxe5 id7!
a b c d e f g h 19.4Jc3 2'.fe8 20.4Jxd5 ®d6 21.®e4 4Jxe5
22.2'.xcS ixc8 23.dxe5 2'.xe5 24.®f3 (24.4Je7t??
14 ... gcS 15.gacl h6 16.4Ja4
~f8!-+) 24 ... h6= is completely equal.
16.exd6 ixd6 l 7.ixd6 ®xd6 18.~eS 4Jc4
l 9.®xd6 4Jxd6 20.4Ja4 gxcl 21.gxcl f6= is 16 ... a6 17JWd3 dxeS
an equal ending. The simplest route to equality.
16 ... gxcl 17.gxcl dxe5 l 8.4Jxe5 4Jc4 l 9.b3
ig5! 20.ixgS ®xg5 21.gc3 4Jd6 22.4Jf3 ®g6
18.~xe7 Vfffxe7 19.dxeS
23.~h2 4Je4 24.gcl geS 25.4Jc5 l 9.4Jxe5 2'.fe8 is fine for Black. For example,
We have followed Kholmov - Milov, Ashdod 20.4Je2 (20.4Jxc6 2'.xc6 2 l.4Ja4 2'.xcl 22.2'.xcl
2003, and now best seems: id7 23.4Jc5 ib5=) 20 ... 4Jb4! 2 l.®d2 f6
25 ... ixh3!?N 26.gxh3 ®d6t 27.~gl ®g6t= 22.a3 fxe5 23.axb4 e4 and he is certainly not
worse.
f
Chapter 9 - 9.°@f e2 159
19 .. JkdS 20.tDe2N B) 10.~el

20.ge 1 d4 21.l'tJe2 id5 22.CtJfxd4 ~xe5
23.~f5 ~xf5 24.CtJxf5 ie6 25.CtJfg3 gd2+ was A move praised by Evgeny Sveshnikov - one of
Andriuschenko - Ozmen, email 2005. the most prominent c3 Sicilian theoreticians.
White waits with a useful move before resorting
7
u i~. }~·-
UaU Si[li
to any kind of threatening gesture. I would like
to analyse Bl) I0 ... b6!? before moving on to
my main recommendation of B2) 10 ... °1Wb6!.
6&U~U.tU U Bl) I0 ... b6!?

sU Ui~ U
4 B
~ B
~ B•
~);;
3UlUVUcZJUl
/ ~
2lB UcZJ~lU ~ @&a ;,:,;,: »~

1 d~t i~MB
0.. ,,;~ d ~
L.J
a b c d e f g h
20 ... JicS!
I The final equalizing touch. All Black needs is
! the disappearance of both central pawns.
2I.ltJf4 d4 22.°1We4 f6 23.ltJxd4 ltJxd4 a b c d e f g h

24.~xd4 °IWxeS 25.°IWxeS fxeS 26Jhd8 ~xd8
This move was recently tried by the Ukrainian
27.ltJd3 Jixh3 28.ltJxeS ~c8=
GM Moiseenko. The question here is whether
White can launch an attack quickly, because
otherwise Black will develop harmoniously
and be strategically better.
l 1.°1We4!
This is the reply that annoys me the most.
l l .l'tJc3 is a plausible idea, but Black
shouldn't have any problems after it. There can
follow: 11...l'tJxd 12.bxd dxe5 13.dxe5 ib7
l 4.id3 l'tJa5
a b c d e f g h
160 c3 Sicilian
15.c2Jd4!? (15.iJ4 ®d5! 16J:hdl ®c6 17.®c2

g6~ looks excellent for Black) 15 ... ®d5
16.® g4 afc8~ Black is at least equal.
l l .a3 dxe5 12.dxe5 ib7=

This position seems equal to me, but it
is rather White who has to proceed with
caution as he is lagging in development.
In the following game he did not proceed
cautiously enough:
13.b4?!
This severely weakens White's queenside.
Preferable was 13.id2!N ac8 l 4.4Jc3 4Jxc3
15.ixc3 4Ja5= with balanced chances.
11...~b7!?N
13 ... acS 14.c2Jbd2?!
This looks like the best move, and is probably
14.adlN f6!! 15.exf6 ixf6 16.aa2
what Moiseenko intended.
(16.®xe6t ~h8 17.axd5 ®e8!+) 16 ... ®d6+
would have been a bit better for Black, bur
I also considered 1 l...dxe5 12.dxe5 ib7
was nevertheless imperative.
13.id3 f5 l 4.exf6 4Jxf6 l 5.®xe6t ~h8
What comes now is an impressive blow,
16.ib5! when White seems to be a good pawn
leading to a rather rare material imbalance:
ahead, bur actually Black shouldn't be too far
14 ... c2Jf4 15.®e4
away from the draw:
15 ... 4Jxg2!! 16.~xg2 4Ja5 17.bxa5 ixe4 l 6 ... ib4! l 7.4Jc3 c2Jd4 l 8.4Jxd4 ®xd4
18.axe4 bxa5+ l 9.ie3 ®h4 20.ie2! aae8 2 l .®c4 ®xc4
White does have a few practical chances with
22.ixc4 ac8 23.ifl axc3 24.bxc3 ixc3
three pieces for a queen and two pawns, bur
25.aacl ixel 26.axel ~g8±1= I think this
they are only practical. With both a material endgame is drawable if Black exercises a little
and positional advantage in his hands, Black bit of caution.
went on to convert the full point in Zubarev -
A. Moiseenko, Lvov 2014.
12.~d3 g6 13.~h6 lZ) db4!?
This is my conception, sacrificing the
exchange before White gets organized.
Chapter 9 - 9.®e2 161
Instead, 13 ... E&eS?! 14.ctJ bd2 4Jdb4 15.JJl !-+ 22 ...Wxh4 23.E!hl .if4! 24.E!xh4 .ixd2
looks better for White: the idea is simply gad 1 25.E!dl .igS 26J~g4 .if6 27 .f4 E!e8! 28.@f3
followed by ®f4, when the attack plays itself. ~c8 29.E!d2 h5 30.E!gl @g7 31.E!el a5
(The first player only needs to avoid 15.ib 1?! 32.~e3 E!c4 33.b3 ~cl~
4Jxe5! 16.®xb7 4Jec6! l 7.a3 E&b8 18.®xbS Black has decent counterplay. Still, in
®xb8 l 9.axb4 4Jxb4 00 with an unclear game.) spite of all this analysis and the satisfactory
conclusions, I find Black's task a bit laborious
after 10 ... b6!?. The same cannot be said of
10 ... ®b6!:
B2) 10 ... Wb6!
14.exd6 .ixd6 15 ..ixfs .ixf8 16.~c3 ~xd3

17.Wxd3 ~b4 1s.Wd2 .ixf3 19.gxf3 ~dS
20.~xdS exdS!?
Black seems to have good chances to
equalize despite being a clear exchange down,
a b c d e f g h
for example: A strong reply which hits White where it
hurts him most: the d4-pawn is under attack,
21.@g2 .id6 22.h4! and if the white queen hurries to e4 in order to
Otherwise Black will play ... ®h4 and ... if4. protect it, there is also some looming pressure
against f2.
11.~c3!?
This is probably the best move at White's
disposal, but our main line will provide an
excellent antidote.
11.ixdS exdS l 2.i'.tk3 ie6!= is harmless.
11.gdl dxeS 12.dxeS gdS 13.id3 4Jdb4

14.ie4 gxdlt 15.®xdl icS 16.®d2 4Jd4
l 7.4Jc3 id7 18.a3 ctJdS! 19.ctJxdS exdS
20.ixdS 'Llxf3t 2 l .ixf3 id4 22.®e2 geS is
a b c d e f g h equal too.
162 c3 Sicilian
l 1.\We4 dxe5 12.dxe5 ic5 13.ge2 27.Wd7! ctJf4

13.gfl 'Llce7!~ shouldn't worry us, as now 27 ... 'Lld?? 28.\Wd8t!+-
the kingside is sufficiently defended and 28.Wxb5 'Lle2t 29.~fl 'Lid 30.\Wd3 Wxd3t
there is also the idea of ... id7-b5(c6). 31.gxd3 'Llxa2 32.'Llg5 'Li b4
32 ... e5 33.ga3 'Li b4 34.'Llf3=
33.ga3=
White will hold the ending.
a b c d e f g h
l 3 .. .f5! l 4.exf6 'Llxf6 l 5.\Wh4 gd8

Black has an excellent game. White's
development is simply inferior and the
d4-square is in our hands, although the first
player should be able to hold after either a b c d e f g h
16.gd2 or 16.ctJbd2. I will just present one 11...CLlxd4! 12.ltJxd4 ~xd4 13.~xdS
example: I think that 13.'Llb5 \Wb6 14.exdG ixd6
16.gd2 'Lld4 l 7.'Llxd4 gxd4 18.gxd4 ixd4 15.'Llxd6\Wxd616.b3id717.a4gfe818.ib2
19.'Lld2! ixb2 20.ixb2 Wxb2 21.gd} b5 f6= gives White enough for the pawn, but of
22.ib3 ib7 23.\Wb4! We5 24.\We7! id5 course it cannot be anything more than that as
25.'Llf3 We4 the d5-knight is unassailable.
We have followed Karacsony - Bastos, corr.
2003, when the correct move was: 13 ... exdS 14.~f4! ~e6!
l 4 ... Wxf4 l 5.ctJxd5 Wxe5 16.\Wb5 Wd4 will
probably hold too, but our main line is clearer.
T
Chapter 9 - 9.We2 163
I5.exd6 °1Wxf4 I6.dxe7 ~fe8 17.gadl °1Wd6!

18.°IWeS °1Wxe5 I9J':he5 d4! 20.gxd4 gxe7
2I.'Dd5 gee8!=
With full equality. Wonderful stuff.
C) 10.ltJc3!?
With this move White decides to cut the

Gordian knot, accepting a weakness in his
pawn structure for potential attacking chances.
10 ... 'Dxc3 1I.bxc3 dxe5 12.dxeS °1Wc7 l 6 .. Jfd5! A typical device in these positions.
An active choice: deploying the queen to 17.ibl?! f!'.xdl 18.f!'.xdl f!'.d8 19.h4 In
a square from where it both observes e5 and Martinez de Miguel - Moreno Ruiz, Collado
X-rays White's weaknesses along the c-file. Of Villalba 2013, Black should have played
course it also vacates d8 for the rooks, allowing 19 ... ctJaS!N+. White has no attack, and each
them to participate in central affairs and harass exchange brings him closer to a worse ending.
the pieces of the adversary - particularly the
bishop once it reaches d3. Overall, the move 13.h4?! is an attacking gesture that looks more
makes a good impression on me, as the like a bluff. After l 3 ... b6 l 4.h5 ib7 l 5.id3
primary object of achieving mobilization while gfd8 l 6.ie4 4Ja5 l 7.ixb7 4Jxb7 l 8.h6
maintaining flexibility is fulfilled.
I
I,
a b c d e f g h
White's two main options are Cl) 13.ti.d3
md C2) 13.°1We4.
Instead, 13.if4?! b6 14.l~ffel ib7 15.id3

~fd8 l 6Jhd 1 is too slow:
13.f!'.e 1 has no independent significance,
because after l 3 ... b6 it will transpose to either
13.id3 or 13.~e4.
164 c3 Sicilian
Cl) 13.~d3 h6 14.E1:el!? firing line of the b7-bishop is opened up, with
counterplay against the soft g2-spot.
I 7JWhS ~g6 18.E1:e3

White has dangerous threats, so Black must
be incisive.
18 ... ~xc3 19.E1:dl ~c6!

Annoying White on g2 is the key for the
defence.
7m.auRuar~a
s ~- ~~*R
;/,,,,%. ~. ~ ;/,,%
a b c d e f g h
6 -~RaR'l)R
A sensible way of continuing: White has
sR RH~-
overprotected the pawn on e5, and keeps both
~e4 and ctJg5 in reserve. 4 .~.~•"• "a
14 ...~h7 15.~gS! 3R -~~~ R
Exploiting the opportunity to get the bishop 2 £JR R r~EJH
pair, but Black's position remains resilient
enough.
~~.,,,. "=····'
~ ~ ~ //,,,%
a b c d e f g h
20.~e4
20.iJl ?! h6 2 I.ixh6!
21.E'&h3 ~c5 22.ixh6 gxh6 23.id3
(23.~xh6 E'&fd8-+) 23 ... ~xeS 24.ixg6
~xh5 25.ixh5 gfd8 is a losing endgame for
White.
21 ... gxh6 22.~xh6 E&fd8 23.E'&de I
This occurred in Istratescu - Kurayan,
Vaujany 2012. White's play looks rather
overoptimistic, and I like:
16 ... ~e7!
This important move should be remembered.
Black transfers the knight to the vicinity of
his king, to defend him from the combined
force of the white pieces. In addition, the
,----
Chapter 9 - 9.V:fie2 165
23 ... iWcS!N 24.gg3 WfS 25Jhg6t fxg6 An interesting alternative is: l 3 ...1id7 14.:§:e 1
26.Wxg6t Wg7 27.Wxe6t ~fS!? :§:fd8 l 5.id3 g6 16.ih6 ie8 17.:§:acl :§:d5
The safer 27 ... ~h8 leads to a draw after l 8.h4 :§:ad8 19.iifl Ba5 20.hS :§:dd5!~
28.Wc4!! Wg5 29Jfe3! 1ixg2 30.:§:g3 fxfl Black had good counterplay and was actually
31.Wxfl Wf5 32.:§:h3t ~g7 33.:§:g3t ~hs pressing his illustrious opponent in Nisipeanu
(33 ... ~fS 34.Wc4! 00 ) 34.:§:h3t=. - Jianu, Legnica 2013.
28.:§:e3 :§:d7! 29.iWfSt :§:f7 30.iWd3! :§:c8
3 l .Wd6t :§:e7 32.h4! a6 33.hS
33.Wxb6 ~e8 34.:§:g3 Wh7 35.hS :§:c6+ s ~R.i.R ~~•B
~'.//
~,,~ i 0,-',I'~ i
/~U ~/~/ 0
~/o/,
?;i;; ;:;:~'./
33 ... iWgS 7 /' j
'/ :;; ;2 //, /' /
It is not clear whether White has enough for 6 /,·/··/,,~./,,,,,/,.
the sacrificed material. In any case, I don't see
any point for White to enter all of this when sR R ~. R
the most he can get is a draw.
4 R~R~R R
20 ... V:fixe4! 21.~xe4 ~xe4 22.V:fie2 ~dS
3 R ~ RcZJR
Black has safeguarded his king and is okay
from a material point of view.
2 lR R ~l~
~~ ~
~, ,~ J?,j ~ L,J
a b c d e f g h
•:=
We will first cover C21) 14.~d3 before
moving on to C22) 14.~gS, which I think
is the most critical. In fact, no matter what
White plays at this point, he cannot pose any
really serious problems to us.
14.:§:el looks like a feeble way of handling

the position. A combination of We4 and Bel
doesn't suit White's aims well. Black should
continue:
a b c d e f g h
23.h4 h6 24.hS hxgS 25.hxg6 fxg6 26.~cl
~ac8 27.~xcS=
The players agreed to a draw in Krutov -
Zhorov, corr. 2012.
C2) 13.Wfe4
Preparing to set up the battery against h7.
a b c d e f g h
13 ... b6
Black continues with the standard plan of l 4 ... ib7 l 5.1id3 g6 16.Wg4 (16.Wf4 :§:fd8+
developing his bishop on the long diagonal. is also better for Black) 16 .. .'t'laS l 7.ie41ixe4
166 c3 Sicilian
18.\Wxe4 \Wc4! 19.\Wc2 gac8 20.ih6 gfd8+ 19 .. J~;dS!N Black has a solid plus. The idea
Black's advantage was more than obvious in is evident after: 20.\Wf3 if8! 2 l .ixf8 gxf8
Sivokho - S. Novikov, St Petersburg 2003. 22.\Wh3 (22.'lle4 gxe5+) 22 ... h5 23.f4 4Jc5
24.g4 ~g7! 25.gxhS gh8+
C21) 14.~d3 g6 15.~h6 gds
l 6.ie2 is another way to free the queen from
the burden of defending the bishop, but it
looks awfully passive. Play could proceed as
follows: 16 ... ib7 l 7.\Wf4 4Ja5 (17 ... gdS!?N+
looks even better) 18.gacl
This is considered to be the main line, but it

offers White no more than equality. a b c d e f g h
18 ... ixf3! 19.ixf3 gac8 20.h4!? 'llc4 21.mel
16.gadl
l2lb2! 22.ie4 4Jd3 23.ixd3 gxd3+ White was
Protecting the bishop in order to free the
already struggling to equalize in Vajda - Filip,
queen for action.
Mamaia 2012.
16.\We3 seems to lack bite: after 16 ... ib7
I6 ... ~b7 17.°1Wf4 gds
17.ie4 'lla5 18.ixb7 'llxb7 Black was, if
This typical recipe is again the best move in
anything, slightly better in Bortnik - Antal,
the position. Black prepares to double rooks,
Kocaeli 2013. In the game White made
and at the same time puts pressure on the
matters worse by l 9.'llg5?!, and now Black
e5-pawn.
should have chosen the typical manoeuvre:
I don't like l 7 .. J2ia5 so much, due to
l 8.'llg5 f5 l 9.iWg3!. White has good prospects:
e6 is under attack and h2-h4-h5 is a realistic
possibility.
18.~e4
White has nothing better than evicting the
rook, but this leads to wholesale exchanges.
18 .. J'hdl 19.gxdl gds 20.gxdSt

20.gel f5! 21.exf6 \Wxf4 22.ixf4 ixf6= is
now okay for Black.
r Chapter 9 - 9.Vfie2 167
Black's castled position has been weakened,

but counterplay in the centre guarantees
equality.
I8Jfael
White has nothing better than this.
,,,
1'
'I'
a b c d e f g h
20 .. .lthdS! 21.~xh7 'Llxh7
Black has simplified the position and c3 is a
weakness.
22JMl'a4!
22.h4 CtJc5 is excellent for Black. a b c d e f g h
22 ... ~fs 23.~xfS @xf8 24JMl'xa7 Wxc3 25.h4 I8 ... El:ad8!

The players agreed a draw in Barie - Jansa, Leading to forced play which will ultimately
Sombor 1976. end in a draw.
C22) 14.~gS ~h7 I5.~d3 g6 I6.Wh4 I9.'Lle4

Forcing a perpetual.
16.if6 is well met by: 16 ... CtJb8!N 17.Wh4 After 19.ibl CtJxe5 20.Wg3 ia6! 2I.ixg6!
lxf6 18.exf6 CtJd7 19.ibS! 1xf3 20.ihd7 fxg6 22.CtJxe6 CtJf3t! 23.gxf3 Wxg3t 24.hxg3
iih8= ixfl 25.~xfl Ek8 26.CtJxf8 ~xf8 27.ge3 gc4
28.f4 ga4 29.ge2 gc4 30Jk2 @f7= White's
extra pawn is completely meaningless.
19.ixg6!?N has not been tried yet, but after:
19 ... fxg6 20.CtJxe6 Wf7 21.CtJxf8 :~hf8 22.e6
We7 23.Wc4 (23.Wxe7 CtJxe7+ is more pleasant
for Black, in view of White's broken pawns.)
a b c d e f g h
16 ... ~xgS 17.'LlxgS hS
a b c d e f g h
168 c3 Sicilian
23 .. J~f5! 24.f4 b5 25.We4 t2ld8 26.Wd3 20.CtJf6t @g7 21.ctJxhSt!

idS 27.Wxb5 l2lxe6+± Black has excellent 21.WgS? gh8-+
counterplay and at least equal chances.
21...gxhS 22.'Wg3t!
~~*•
Finally, we should consider: 19J~e3 t2lxe5!
s ,, JI~/"}~
7~j_~ ~ & ~ 0
~\;,,~LJ,,/ ~ - - ~
6 !~ ~&~&~
~ (~~-~-~-----~
5 ~% ~~-/_/~-- ~f:"%_ & /
LL. ~ ~-- Ji2.J A
4 • ~ ~ / ;U/;
LL ~ 0 ·;; ~,,-·--/~- ~
3 ~/, ~iJl1 ~
2 b ~ ~- . f_~_~/ A"fff~
LL~- . ~ %0% U /Q,,
1 ~ ~ ~-~~/ /,
~ ~ ~,§~
a b c d e f g h
20.ixg6!N (20.Wg3? Wd6!+ 2I.it1e4 ia6
22.gfel t2lg4 23.f4 l2lxe3 24.gxe3 Wdl t
25.gel Wg4 26.~e3 gdl 27.~f2 Wh4t 0-1
was an opening disaster for White in Perez
Rodriguez - Hambleton, Montreal 2013 )
23 ... @g7=
2 o... fxg6 2I.Wg3 h4 22.Wxh4 gf6 23,gh3
(23.gfel gdf8 24.f3 ixf3=) 23 ... Wg7 24.l2lh?
D) 10.'We4
gdf8 25.l2lxf8 gxf8 26.gel gf5 27.Wdst ms
28 ·Wh4 (28.Wd4 l2lf7= is a position with
mutual chances) 28 ... gfS 29.Wd8t= Forcing a
draw by repetition.
a b c d e f g h
.We know this motif, don't we? The only
difference here is that White tries to set up
the battery of queen and bishop without the
preparatory a2-a3.
Chapter 9 - 9.~e2 169
10...~d7 13 ... !e6! I4.Wh5 Wd7

We will now focus on DI) 11.~el and However, White is again on the defensive
D2) 11.~d3. and struggling to draw. I think the best
chances to achieve this are offered by:
Pawn grabbing with l l .!xd5? exd5 l 2.Wxd5 l 5.d5!?
should certainly lead to a difficult position l 5.h3 !c4 16.ae I happened in Pavlikov -
for White, with the only question being the Van den Cruyce, corr. 2007, and here I like:
extent of Black's plus. 12 .. J2ib4 13.We4!? 16 ... ateSN 17.axeSt axe8 18.!e3 ct:Jb4
(13.Wb3 dxe5 14.cthe5 !e6 15.Wdl ctJxa2+ 19.ct:Jd ct:Jc2 20.adl ct:Jxe3 21.fxe3 axe3
leaves White much worse, as Black has two 22.ct:Je5 !xe5 23.dxe5 ad3 24.axd3 Wxd3+
bishops and the better pawn structure.) This l 5 ... !xd5 16.ct:Jd !xf3 l 7.~xf3 ct:Jd4 18.Wdl
was R. Nielsen - Drabke, Koge 2010, and now !e5 I 9.!e3 afd8 20.!xd4 !xd4 21.Wf3=1+
correct is: Black's plus is really quite small.
11.Wg4
White vacates e4 for the minor pieces
and threatens !h6. This is not a bad
accomplishment for a single move, but Black
5
stands fine nevertheless.
4 11...cj;;ihs 12.LtJc3 f5!?
3 This defends the king and takes space, so it
2 cannot be bad.
l 3.exf6
l 3.Wh3 dxe5 l 4.ct:Jxe5 ctJxe5 l 5.dxe5 ctJxc3
a b c d e f g h
16.Wxd= is approximately equal.
13 ... !c6!Nl4.'\We2 gxf3 15.gxf3 Wb6 Black 13 ... ct:hf6 14.Wg3?
has an obvious advantage. A serious mistake, putting the queen 111
jeopardy.
l l .exd6 gxd6 l 2.ixd5 I4.Wh4!N d5! l 5.id3 ct:Je4 16.Wh5 !e8
l 2.ct:Jc3 ctJce7 13.!xdS ftJxd5 l 4.ftJxd5 exd5 17.Wg4 !g6! 18.!xe4 dxe4 19.CLle5 !f5
l 5.~xd5 !c6~ is a position where I would 20.'\Wdl !d6 2 I.!f4 ct:Jb4=/+ is better for
certainly take Black, despite the pawn minus. Black, but only slightly.
12 ... exd5 l 3.~xd5
A better version of the pawn grabbing shown
above.
8 .i ' °jJg
7 /&,&,' j_
6 .; ~&
5 /. °i1i
4 b
3
a b c d e f g h
2 bb
s:~~
a b c d e f g h
170 c3 Sicilian
I4 ... e5! 11...El:cS I2.a3

Threatening .. .cuh5, trapping the queen in White is making all the preparatory moves
broad daylight. he can.
8
7
:i.
I5.ig5 exd4 I6.Cud5
t~{f W%
r•~ • w~.JL~ r•~ •&
&
~
A 'f!~'.;;;
~~
f~&
~
After 12.lil bd2?! a strong continuation for
Black is 12 ... lildb4! l 3.exd6 ixd6 l 4.a3 lila5!
l 5.b3 ic6 16.Wb 1 lilxc4 (16 ... lildS!?N could
5. -~-
also be a possibility) l 7.bxc4 lila6+, when he
6 ~·~~~
~°'Al;: ... ;: ..i~ ~
~·. . :::%% had the slightly better chances in Yilmazyerli -
~~~
fj. •
Kanmazalp, Kocaeli 2008.
4 ~ ~ f~~ if:%~
~~r•~ t%0 %~
3
~;:;
~ ~
w~ 0%: /;';'\ 'llili
~~~jffff/~ The direct l 2.id3 leads to an equal position
2 ~§[jff] after:
::,~j
~~
w% ~?'::: 'R ~
wr tJ@ § ;;§:
a b c d e f g h
As in Afek - Lie, Gausdal 2006, and here
Black could have obtained a considerable
plus by:
16 .. .tue4!N I7.ixe7 lilxg3 18.ixd8 lilxfl
I9.ig5 gxf3! 20.gxf3 lile5 21.ie2 d3 22.idl
h6! 23.if4 ih3+
Admittedly that was a hard variation to
calculate.
a b c d e f g h
DI) 11.~el 12 .. .fS! 13.exf6 lilxf6 14.We2 lilb4 15.lilc3N

(15.ic4 d5 16.ib3 lile4 I7.lilbd2 lild6+ was
slightly better for Black in Aljelda - Emiroglu,
Antalya 2009) l 5 ... lilxd3=
12 .. .CD aS I3.~a2
This is universally adopted, as White does
not want to allow Black at least a draw.
13.id3 f5 14.exf6 lilxf6 I5.We3 Otherwise

... lilb3 wins material. l 5 ... lild5 16.We4 lilf6=
is a draw if Black needs one.
Playing to win with 16 ... g6!? is also perfectly
feasible, although after 17.lil bd2 gf4! l 8.We2
a b c d e f g h gf7 l 9.b4 lilf4 20.Wfl lilc6 2 l.ib2 a6
A logical continuation: further strengthening 22.gacl Wf8 00 the position is highly complex.
the position before embarking on concrete Maybe Black can start an attack at some point
action. by ... g5-g4, but of course he should think twice
before doing that as pawns don't move back.
Chapter 9 - 9.'1We2 171
14 ... ic2!
The bishop should not miss this chance to
join the kingside defence.
15.ixdS!?
A tactical try: m1x111g things up in a
strategically inferior position.
Instead, 15.ctJbd2 if5 16.'1Wg3 b5! 17.4Je4

dxe5 18.dxe5 was played in Pavasovic - Atlas,
Austria 2007, and now rather than retreating
with his bishop immediately to g6, Black
a b c d e f g h should have played:
13 ...ia4!
With this fine infiltrating move Black seizes
more light-square control. White actually has
a big plus score from this position, bur as we
are going to witness soon, it should be quire
the opposite.
14.~g4
14.ixd5 exd5 15.1W g4 would be a success
for White if Black now had to play ... ic2,
because that transposes to the Pavasovic - a b c d e f g h
Jurkovic game seen below. However, as it turns
l 8 ... 4Jc4!N+ Black would have maintained the
out, there is something much better for the
slightly better chances.
second player:
a b c d e f g h
15 .. Jhcl ! 16.!hcl ctJ b3 17.ctJd id7 18.~ g3
a b c d e f g h
ie6 19.ifabl ctJxcl 20.ihcl dxe5 21.~xe5
'1Wb6+ The dust had cleared and Black had a 15 ... ifS!
slight but annoying plus in Racki - Gluszko, A stunning improvement over 15 ... exd5?!
Caldas Novas 2011. Black went on to win. 16.ctJd 4Jb3 l 7.4Jxd5! f5 Trying to stop '1Wxc8,
172 c3 Sicilian
among others. l 8.exf6 ixf6 19.igS! ixg5 19 ... ltJb3 20.ltJc3 ltJxal 21.'Wg4N
20.lilxgS if5 21.°1Wf4! lilxal 22.lile7t ~h8 2 l .Bxf7 ixe5 22.Bxf8t ®xf8 23.°IWxeS ®f7
23.lilxc8 ®xc8 24Jhal White had an extra 24.ie3 lilc2 25.lilxdS Be8 26.°1Wd6 ®e6+
pawn and a winning advantage in Pavasovic (26 ... lilxd4!N+ may be even more accurate)
- Jurkovic, Bizovac 2007. The text move is was Skawinski - Maksimenko, Poznan 2015.
designed to avert any ®xc8 ideas.
21 ... ~xeS! 22.gxeS
I6JWf4 22.dxeS ®d7!-+
This move allows Black to illustrate the
devilish point of his idea.
16.°1Wg3N is perhaps a better possibility, but is

still worse for White after: 16 ... exdS l 7.lilc3
lilb3 18.if4 lilxal 19.exd6 if6 20.Bxal ie6+
16 ... dxeS 17.gxeS exdS 18.gxfs
R~~ ~~•R
7•Tn";,•t•T
s
%R~. ,. %R
s•3fj~B;,B~R~
6
4
%
RiRMR
''o~~~,~~R 22 ... ges 23.~f4 ltJc2
I believe that this should be a technical win
for Black.
2
f,
R
Ci;[~%~ ~ ~~ ~fj~
;,y,,;.'5{' %
D2) 11.~d3
1 ~~~~ R i~
a b c d e f g h
18 ... ~d6!
Exploiting the overloading of the white
queen. Black wants to achieve the capture
of the a I-rook under the most favourable
circumstances.
Instead, 18 ... lilb3 19.lilc3 lilxal 20.BxdS~ is

about even.
19.ltJeS
The only move. a b c d e f g h
With an unmistakable threat of mate in
19.°1We3? Be8 20.lileS lilb3!-+ allows Black to one, but I guess this is something we can parry
win a full exchange without anything in return.
Chapter 9 - 9.°1We2 173
when it comes as early as move 11 (at least

most of the time).
11...fS 12.exf6 CLJxf6 13.\We2
2 b
}:S:
a b c d e f g h
15 ... :§:aeS!
Slightly inaccurate is 15 ... ctJdS 16.ie4!,
with the idea being: 16 ... ctJb6 (16 ... :§:aeS?!
17.ctJxdS exd5 18.®bS! gives the first
player serious chances for an advantage, as
18 ... ie6?! 19.ixh7t ~xh7 20.:§:xe6 :§:xf3
a b c d e f g h 21.gxf3± does not seem to offer Black much
13 ... \Wb6! for the exchange.) 17.dS! exd5 18.ctJxd5
I like this idea a lot. Black directly attacks ctJxd5 19.lLlgS! ®xe2 20.ixd5t ~hS
the d-pawn; forcing the enemy bishop into 2 l .:§:xe2 ixg5 22.ixg5 :§:f5 23.ixc6 ixc6
passivity. 24.ie3 With a tiny plus for White.
16.h3 ctJd5 l 7.ie4! ctJf6N
Weaker is 13 ... ctJb4?! 14.ic4 d5 15.ib3 ctJe4 17 ... ctJb6 18.ie3! d5 19.id3 is unclear.
16.ctJd ctJd6 17.lLleS ctJf5 18.:§:dLt. 18.ic2 ctJd5 l 9.ib3 ~hs~
The position offers chances to both sides.
However, also viable is: White has averted an exchange sacrifice on f3
13 ... ~aS!? 14.ctJd for the time being, but he does not seem to
l 4.ic4!? has the idea to induce 14 ... dS, have a clear plan - exactly because he has to be
when the a5-queen is cut off from the on constant alert for this possibility.
kingside.
14 ... ~hS 14.ii.e3
With an interesting situation: Black has 14.:§:dl?! ctJb4 15.ctJg5 (15.ic4 d5 16.ib3
some ideas to attack the white king. ib5+), as in Dolzhikova - Ogaard, Norway
15.:§:e 1! 2010, looks worse for White after l 5 ... ctJxd3!
15.a3 is too slow, and after 15 ... ctJdS 16.ie4 16.:§:xd3 e5! l 7.dxe5 ctJg4 18.ctJe4 ctJxe5t.
:§:aeS 17.id2 ctJxc3 18.ixd d5 l 9.id3
id6= the position was already more pleasant 14... CLJdS! 15.CLJc3 ~ac8! 16.a3
for Black in Sermek -Atalik, Beijing 1997. l 6.ctJxd5?! exd5 l 7.h3 ~ b4!+ is something
l 5.if4 ctJd5!? 16.ctJxdS exd5 17.~d2 :§:aeS White should avoid.
18.ie2 Wffg6 19.ig3 ifs 20.:§:fdl ie4+
saw Black pressing in Brandenburg - Giri, 16... CLJxe3 17.fxe3 d5 18.\Wc2!?
Groningen 2009, as the e7-bishop was soon l S.:§:f2 allows Black to build an even
regrouped to b6. healthier defensive formation: 18 ... gG! 19 .:§:afl
174 c3 Sicilian
fi:f6 20.~d2 (20.ibS fi'.cf8 2 l .ixc6 ixc6 tries to gain space and dictate developments
22.'tJeS fi'.xf2 23.fi'.xf2 ie8 00 is not better by utilizing his central pawns. In this work we
for White, as the two bishops outweigh the have witnessed an attempt by Black to obtain
outpost on e5.) 20 ... fi'.cfS 2 l .b4 id6 22.'tJa4 counterplay by adopting the system 2 ... 'tJf6
~c7 23.'tJcS ic8= 3.e5 t2ld5 4.'tJf3 e6, which is based on sound
development and a solid base on d5 for our
18... h6 I9JH2 ~f6 20.E!afl E!cf8 21.b4 ~e8! further operations.
22.bS! The essence of Black's strategy is to fight for
22.'tJa4 ~d8 23.'tJcS b6 24.'tJb3 id6+ light squares on every part of the board, bur
particularly in the centre and on the queenside.
22 ... lZ'laS We often found ourselves chasing or harassing
We have been following Lahdenmaeki - White's precious light-squared bishop, with
Mathias, corr. 2012, and now best is: the aim of either exchanging it or improving
our piece deployment and defensive prospects.
Against slow play by White, I suggested set-
ups where our own light-squared bishop was
developed on the long diagonal, as I believe
this significantly improves our prospects for
counterplay. However, in some of the main
lines I adopted a set-up with ... 'tJc6 and
... id 7, in the spirit of quick development and
queenside play.
Overall, I am optimistic about Black's
chances in the whole system, as I couldn't find
any positions that are worse for us. That said,
Black has to be accurate in lines where White
a b c d e f g h goes straight for the throat, but these are rare
23.a4!N ~b4 24.lZ'le2 ~d6= and are easy to master - by adhering to the
The position is balanced, and there is actually strategic principles of the particular structure.
not much either side can do. In these ... e6 structures we should always
be on the alert to avoid the b I-knight landing
Conclusion on the e4-square, as in conjunction with the
e5-pawn it gives White the makings of a strong
Our final chapter in this section saw us tackle attack. So, one rule of thumb is to have the
the main line l .e4 c5 2.c3 C[)f6 3.e5 t2ld5 e5-pawn under pressure from an early stage.
4.'tJf3 e6 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 d6 7.ic4 'tJc6 Another important remark is that, in general,
8.0-0 ie7 9.~e2, and I believe the variations endings are good or better for us, as we have
presented give Black excellent chances. I think plenty of squares on the queenside: we shouldn't
this would also be an appropriate moment to miss our chance for a queen exchange when
give an overall impression, much of which is given the option. Finally, perhaps the most
relevant to the current chapter. important advice I could give to the readers is
The c3 Sicilian is a dangerous system for to adhere to centralization, as this is often the
those unacquainted with its nuances, as White main source of our counterplay.
a b c d e f g h
Tiviakov Grand Prix

Variation Index
1.e4 cS 2.c=tJc3 lZ)c6 3.ihS!?
A) 4.lZ)f3 177
B) 4.lZ)ge2 179
C) 4.Sl.c4 a6 181
CI) s.lZ)f3 181
C2) s.lZ)ge2 183
C3) 5.a4 e6 6.lZ)ge2! lZ)f6 184
C31) 7.d3 185
C32) 7.0-0 186
C4) 5.d3 e6 188
C41) 6.lZ)f3 189
C42) 6. lZ) ge2 190
note to move 4 B) after 8.:Sel C42) note to 9.fg5
8 E ~E
•
'' '''
7
6 .i.. JI)
'
5
4 b ~ ~.i..
~ 'if
2 bb bbb
II II@
a h c d e f g h a h c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
8 ... id6!N 10 ... dS!N

176
1.e4 cS 2.lDc3
This is a flexible move, maintaining options.
White does not block his f-pawn, and so keeps
open the possibility of playing a favourable
version of the Grand Prix Attack if Black replies
with 2 ... d6. The other main options, namely
2 ... e6 and 2 ... 4Jc6, would mean that Black
cannot play the Najdorf Variation anymore
- a serious blow to most Sicilian players were
the position to open up with a subsequent
d2-d4. With the above considerations in mind,
I tried to find a universal system after the
move 2.4Jc3. I decided that, in order to reduce a b c d e f g h
White's choice, d2-d4 shouldn't be allowed 3... ~d4!
anymore. Thus, I came up with 2 ... 4Jc6 as the This is by far the best move: Black places his
most practical solution. knight in a strong central position and attacks
the b5-bishop. White may ignore the threat to
2 .. .lDc6 3.~hS!? his bishop with A) 4.~f3 or B) 4.~ge2, or
Sergei Tiviakov has been the staunchest retreat it with C) 4.~c4.
advocate of this apparently strange move,
which is, however, associated with a fine 4.a4 a6
positional idea: White wants to play ixc6 and Now 5.ic4 would transpose to variation
then follow up with f2-f4, rendering Black's C3. Alternatively:
position static and obtaining good control of 5.id3
the centre. White's other options will be dealt This looks rather clumsy, as White has played
with in separate chapters and are as follows: a2-a4 and not even developed his king's
knight yet. Black has many good choices at
After 3.ctJge2 I decided to stop d2-d4 by his disposal here, with one being:
3 .. .Clld4!? which I would like to call the 5 ... e6 6.ctJf3 ctJc6 7.0-0
Ikonnikov Variation (Chapter 11).
After 3.ctJf3 I decided on 3 ... e5, preventing

d2-d4 once and for all. This may not be to
everyone's taste, but in my opinion Black's
position is sound enough to offer equality -
see Chapters 12 and 13.
3.f4 g6 4.ctJf3 ig7 leads to the Grand Prix

Attack after 5.ic4, while another option is
5.ib5 (Chapters 14 and 15).
a b c d e f g h
Finally, 3.g3 g6 is the Closed Sicilian, which 7 ... d5
has a good reputation for Black - see Chapters The safe way. However, if I had this position
16 to 18. with Black I would try 7 ... gS!?N 8.ctJe2 g4
Chapter 10 - Tiviakov Grand Prix 177
9.ctJel ctJf6 10.c3 dS 11.exdS WxdS 12.ibl Black's chances still look excellent to me, in
b6 with an unclear game. view of his hegemony on the long diagonal.
8.exdS exdS 9.ie2 11Jf6 10.d4 ie6 l l.ie3
cxd4 l 2.11Jxd4 fb4 l 3.ff3 0-0 14.ctJce2 ctJeS 4.ia4 WaS!?
l 5.ctJf4 '.8e8 16.ctJd3 ctJxf3t 17.Wxf3 ig4 This extra option is pointed out by Matthieu
18.Wg3 id6 l 9.if4 Cornette in Experts on the Anti-Sicilian.
We have followed Ponomariov - Dreev, Lugo 5.ctJf3
2006, when most accurate would have been: 5.d3 bS 6.ib3 11Jxb3 7.cxb3 e6 8.CDf3 c2Jf6=
is not a problem for Black.
5 ... bS 6.ctJxd4 cxd4 7.CDxbS Wxa4 8.ctJc7t
~d8 9.4Jxa8 ib7 10.d3 ixa8 11.0-0
a b c d e f g h
l 9 .. J~e4!N 20.ixd6 ctJhS 2 l.ic7 ctJxg3
22.ixdS '.8xd4 23.fxg3 '.8xd8 24.11Je5 ihS
25.c3 '.8e4 26.ctJf3 ixf3 27.gxf3 '.8c4=
With complete equality. l l ... g6N
Black has a good position, with both the text
Let us now turn our attention to the bishop and l l ... e6 giving him decent chances in the
retreats. 4.id3 This has a flavour of the 4.a4 upcoming double-edged fight.
line seen above, or variations A or B below. l 2.We2 ig7 13.c4 4Jh6 l 4.b4 fS l 5.f3 '.8f8
Actually, after 4 ... a6! it leads to a direct 15 ... Wxb4!? 16.§bl! ®d6 17.eS Wc7 is not
transposition to one of them, unless White out of the question. I cannot see anything
tries something exotic like: 5.f4 g6 6.ctJf3 ig7 clear for White.
7.0-0 d6 8.ctJxd4 ixd4t 9.~hl e6 10.'.8bl 16.bS fxe4 l 7.fxe4 '.8xfl t 18.Wxfl CDg4
ctJe7 1 l.b4 bS 12.bxcS dxcS 13.eS ixc3 19.igS 4Je5 20.if4 ~e8 21.ixeS ixeS
14.dxc3 ib7 l 5.c4 Wc7~ 22.Wf2 d6 23.§fl if6 24.cS WxbS 25.cxd6
ic6 26.dxe7 ixe7 27.Wg3 id7
The position remains imbalanced, but it
should be close to a draw.
Instead of capturing the bishop, which is

the more common reply, I would like to
recommend:
a b c d e f g h
178
4... a6! s.~d3 Instead, 8.e5 f6! is a major point of our move
An independent attempt, but the bishop order, the idea being: 9.f4 (9.exf6?! e5!+)
looks clumsily placed here. 9 ... fxe5 10.fxeS ig7 l 1.l2ixd4 ixe5 12.l2if3
ig7 l 3.ie2 e5 l 4.d4 e4 15.l2ie5 l2ie7 16.0-0
Instead, 5.ic4 transposes to variation Cl. Wb6! 17.~h I l2if5 l 8.c3 0-0 l 9.Wb3 Wxb3
20.axb3 ie6= Black is most certainly not
worse in the ending.
8.c3 dxc3 9.bxc3 should be okay in various

ways, so I will mention just one:
a b c d e f g h
s... g6! 6.eihd4
6.0-0 ig7 7.l2ixd4 cxd4 8.l2ie2 d5 9.exd5
Wxd5 is nothing but a transposition.
6 ... cxd4 7.tll e2

Leading to a position where I would like to
propose the immediate: 8 ... WfxdS 9.0-0 ~g7 I0.c4!
Instead, 10.c3?! is just a tempo loss, because
after 10 ... id7! White has nothing better
than l l.c4. Then l 1...Wd6 12.ie4, trying
to untangle the bishop before Black controls
e4 with his own pieces, is what happened in
M. Muzychuk- Kuipers, Wijk aan Zee 2010,
when I like:
12 ... d3! 13.Ctk3 gb8 Blacks simply stands This is a worse version of variation A because,
well, as 14.Wf3 c2:lfG 15.Wxd3 '1Jxe4 1G.Wxe4 with c2:lge2 played, Black has:
iJS~ leads to a position where his two bishops
offer tremendous compensation for the pawn.
a b c d e f g h
s... CLJc6!
Had the knight been on f3, White would be
I0 ... dxc3 11.dxc3 CLJf6 I2.CLJf4 'W'cS I3.~e3 able to retreat his bishop to e2 with a normal
'W'c7 I4.'W'a4t ~d7 IS.'\Wb4 aS position. However, as things stand he is slightly
15 ... 0-0!?N 1G.Wxe7 c2:lg4~ is an interesting worse.
pawn sacrifice to consider.
6.0-0
G.i.c4 eG 7.d3 c2:lfG 8.0-0 b5 9.i.b3 $le7
leaves White with an awful bishop on b3.
6 ... e6 7.CLJg3 CLJf6 8 ..El:el
a b c d e f g h
I6JWcS ~c6 17.~c4 0-0 18.CLJdS CLJxdS
19 .~xdS ~eS =
Black had fully equalized in M. Muzychuk-
Krush, Istanbul (ol) 2012.
a b c d e f g h
B) 4.CLJge2 a6 S.~d3?! 8 ... ~d6!N
Improving on 8 ... Wc7 111 Gurgenidze -
5.i.c4 transposes to variation C2. Gufeld, Volgodonsk 1981, although Gufeld
180 2.(tk3 ctJc6
·11 got the better position after: 9.b3 id6

;'~.tlb2 tle5 11.l'lb I 0-0 12. lilhS 12lxh5
13.~xhS d6 l 4.Ei'.e3 g6 l 5.~h6 ctJ b4 16.Ei'.h3
f6 l 7.a3 ct:Jxd3 l 8.Ei'.xd3 b5+
9.~fl
9.b3 fe5 I O.ib2 0-0+ compares favourably
to the above-mentioned game.
9 .. Jfic7 I0.d3 . cj;i -

10.ct:JdS?! exd5 11.exdSt ct:Je7 12.ct:JfS f8+
is not a serious sacrifice.
I0 ... b6 .. l
Black holds a small bur stable posmona 11...0-0 12.f4 ~e7 13.CtJdl = .
plus. 13.eS ct:Je8 14.ct:Jce4 d6 15.exd6 ct:Jxd6+ is
great for Black.
13 ... dS 14.c3! .
14.eS ct:Je8 l 5.ct:Jf2 f6 l 6.ct:Jg4 fxe5 17.ct:JxeS
id6+
11.~d2! h
This one, intending f2-f4, looks rat er
necessary.
l l.ct:Jd5?! exd5 12.exdSt ct:Je7 l3.ct:JfS ciif8

l 4.ct:Jxd6 ~xd6 l 5.c4 ct:Jg6 is, once more, 14 ... hs!i
hardly sufficient. Black initiates the U sual queenside play,
keeping a small edge.
l l.ct:Jce2?! h5! is just bad for White, as I ~.f4
(12.h4 ct:Jg4+; 12.h3 h4 13.ct:Jhl ih2# 1~ a
really funny checkmate!) is met strongly w1th
the tremendous idea: 12 ... h4 13.ct:Jhl
C) 4.~c4 8 ... b4 9.ct:lxd4 cxd4 I0.e5 dxc3 11.exfG cxb2

12.!xb2 gxf6 13.~h5 e6 14Jbel E&g8 15.g3
h6+ This is excellent for Black, as his central
pawn mass renders all White's attacking efforts
ineffective.
~ ~~i A
8 a r~ mur.1r.,
WK#; !Iii\~~~
..lL ?§~'er ~~f~
7B.Ra•a•a
sir~,•~•
6
4 -L~~-
•& r0
~./.
.~«:%«
B
~%
.~.~.
~~:0
/ ..... /,. ..~

/,/.,, ..
.~.
@;;i:
~
.~
~:a
B
~
~
B
a b c d e f g h
2
~
/,ci/.... :a:;b··~RtZJR
3B:ab/·~dci
;.;:;
~1
%%:a:;b·;;;:; t%~ ·%
;c;,1 ~1
0
~1
The most logical reaction: the bishop eyes f7 : : .... ::: .L .. ::. . ::: .... ::: L3
and White would like to prove that it has a
future on this diagonal. Our task, of course, is ~~ ~-~ RM
to prove the opposite.
a b c d e f g h
6 .. J:i:b8 7.ctJxd4
4 ... a6 Harmless is:
The deeper point of this move is to induce a2- 7.d3 e6 8.!b3 ct:lxb3
a4, as that loses time for White and facilitates 8 ... a5N 9.a4 ct:lxb3 I0.cxb3 bxa4 l 1.bxa4
the realization of ... e6, ... ct:lf6 and ... d5. !a6 12.0-0 ct:lf6 13.E&el !e7 14.d4 d6 is
probably also okay for Black.
Instead, 4 ... e6 5.ct:lf3 ct:lf6 6.0-0 d5? 7.exd5 8 ... ct:lxf3t!?N 9.°illf xf3 !d6! 1O.if4 !xf4
exd5 8.ct:lxd5! ct:lxd5 9.ct:lxd4 cxd4 10.Wh5 l 1.Wxf4 d6 12.0-0 CiJe7 = is quite balanced,
ie6 11 J~e 1+- is a typical trap that many but Black has a bit more space, making his
players have fallen into. The bad thing about life easier.
Black's position is that l 1...ct:lf4 loses to 9.axb3 d6 I0.d4
12.Jib5t - so our 4th move is directed against 10.0-0 CiJf6=
this possibility. 1O... cxd4 l 1.Wxd4
This was played in Plaskett - Nicolas Zapata,
At this point we will explore four continuations
La Roda 2014, and now I like:
for White: Cl) 5.ctJf3, C2) 5.ctJge2, C3) S.a4
and C4) 5.d3.
Cl) 5.ctJf3 bS!
This give Black gets a good game, as the

following lines indicate.
6.~dS
6.id3 ib7 7.0-0 ct:lf6 8.a4 (8.ct:lxd4 cxd4
9.e5 dxc3 1O.exf6 cxb2 l l .ixb2 gxf6 is similar)
a b c d e f g h
182 2.ltk3 ltJ c6
11...~bG! 12.~d3 ctJf6

With a st· h 13.0-0 fb7
h as the rwo ,gb. thedge fior the second l
is ops and pressure ao- p. ayer: he
bamst e4
7 ... cxd4
. 8."'l..le2
" "
~f6 ·
This is th
ensuring he en ~ hpomt
er
.
h of Black's operat·
squared b"1s h op exc. anges the enemy 1· ion,
h
on e4 . or gams th e import
· ig t-
ant pawn
9.~xd4
I couldn't fi n d an yt h.mg better for Wh'
9.f b3 " lte.
~
'1J xe4 10 CD d
(12.c3 tran . x 4 fb7 11.0-0
13 c4 sposes to the . . e6 12.d3?!
.~1· (13 ~ 4 mam lme) 12 . I1...~b7 12 .O-0
13 ... !lc8 .' g h5' 14.1"'1h3 .id ... lilc5 In mv; view
· this .
for (mtending ... ~f6) . 6_ 15.f4 ~f6i) Black. I recommen;: an excellent position for
Black, as h h 1s slighd b
and rwo b.is h ops.
e as the more co mpacty centre
etter
10 .exd5 fbl= .
9.d3 ctJxd5 oo.
P us for us t + is a small b ut clear
l
12 ...~c?!N g h
!~stead, 12 ... ~h4t:i 1 .
15.ctJeS ~h4 16.~~4 3.ctJf3 ~h5 l 4.d4 idG
~xg4 17 .ltJ xg4 oo was
unclear in H eb erla - b Peschlow
' Dresden 2009
g h
13.lilf3 fl. 7 ·
~ e4 17.fi.gS
e d5<'!
14.~el O- 0 15.d3 lilf6 I6.d4
forI believe
the full Black . at least equal and
. is
. . point, as he h can play
mmonty attack on th as a clear plan of
e queenside. a
C2) 5.Ct~ge2 bS! 6 .. J~b8 7.a3!?

As suggested by Dragan Solak in Chess
Informant.
Instead, 7.ct:Jxd4 transposes to lines analysed

above.
7.d3 eG 8.ib3 a5! looks fine for Black even

with the knight on e2. For instance: 9.a4
ct:Jxb3 10.cxb3 bxa4
a b c d e f g h
This will almost certainly transpose to
variation C 1 above. A possible deviation could
be:
6.~dS
G.id3?! ct:JcG!+ is, as we know, bad with the
knight on e2.
l l .bxa4!N (After 11 Jha4 dG I 2.d4 id?
LUk4 cxd4 14.ct:Jxd4 ct:JfG 15.0-0 ie7
G.ixt7t?! is simply an unsound sacrifice
for White: 6 ... 1ht7 7.ct:Jxd4 cxd4 8.~h5t 16.ie3 0-0 l 7.f3 gb7+ White gradually got
outplayed in Engelhard - Eckel, corr. 2008.)
g6 9.~dSt e6 10.~xa8 dxd I l.dxc3 ~c7
11...iaG 12.0-0 idG!? 13.ct:J b5 (l 3.f4 ct:Je7+)
l 2.£k3 ct:JfG 13.f3
13 ... ixbS 14.axbS 2=hb5 l 5.d4 ctJe7 White's
~, i'S)i
compensation for the pawn does not look
8 Vi .i. .i. ~ quite enough to me.
~
'
7
''
6
5
4 8
3 8 ~8
2 888 88
M ~ M
a b C d e f 0
b h
13 ... idG! 14.~a7 ixh2 15.~xc7 ixc7 16.a4
ib7 l 7.axb5 axb5 l 8.'.£a7 ig3t l 9.if2 ixf2t
20. ~xf2 icG+ Simonian - Solak Golden
Sands 2012.
a b c d e f g h
184 Vtk3 c2:lc6
7 ... e6 8.i,a2 '1Je7!N 9.0-0 '1Jec6 10.d3 i,e7 C3) 5.a4 e6

11.f4
l 1.t2lxd4 l2ixd4 12.t2le2 l2ixe2t 13.®xe2
0-0 l 4.f4 d5!= with the idea 15.exdS exd5
16.ixdS ®xd5 l 7.®xe7 ib7~.
11. .. 0-0 12.'1Jxd4

12.fS b4 l 3.axb4 cxb4 l 4.t2la4 b3 l 5.ixb3
l2ixe2t l 6.®xe2 l2id4 l 7.®f2 l2ixb3 l 8.cxb3
exf5~
12 ... '1Jxd4 13.i,e3

After 13.fS, the typical pawn sacrifice
l 3 ... b4! l 4.axb4 cxb4 l 5.t2la4 b3 l 6.ixb3
l2ixb3 l 7.cxb3 d5~ should again suffice for a b c d e f g h
equaliry. Black enjoys an excellent position, as he can
continue his plan with .. .c2if6 and ... d5 - as
13 ... i,b7 mentioned in the note to Black's 4th move on
Black looks perfectly okay to me, as .. .f5 page 181 - without any worries.
might soon be possible.
6.'1Jge2!
14.f5 6.t2lf3?! t2lf6 7.0-0 d5 8.exd5 exd5 9.ia2
If White plays this move himself, then the The difference with the main line is that
following sequence leads to a double-edged Black now has an important pinning move.
position:
a b c d e f g h
9 ... ig4!
Forcing White to continue as follows:
10.®elt ie7 l 1.t2lxd4 cxd4 1VtJe2 d3
14 ... i,gS! 15.i,f2 ~b6 16.i,g3 ~bc8~ 13.cxd3 0-0
Black seems to enjoy the more purposefully I don't think there is any advantage for
placed pieces. White, and he could even be worse. A top-
level encounter from this position continued:
14.d4 ib4!? 15.®dl
r
l 5.h3N looks more to the point, although 10 ... 8a7!? l l.'Llxd4?! cxd4 l 2.'Lle2 ic5
after 15 ... ih5 16.®dl (16.g4 'Llxg4 l 3.®d3 'Lld7 l 4.f4 bxa4 15.0-0 ibG+
l 7.hxg4 ixg4 l 8.f3 ih3 l 9.®g3 ixfl Black had the better position and went on
20.@xfl i=k8---+ is surely not the best type to win in Dinev - Miladinovic, Cetinje 2012.
of position to play as White against Shirov)
16 ... ge8 17.f3 \Wb6 18.gf2 ge7 19.d3 gae8 8 ... exdS 9 ..ia2 ctJe6!? 10.0-0
20.g4 igG 21. ~g2 h6 22.if4 idG+ Black is After I0.'Llf4, the reply I0 ... 'Llxf4 l l.ixf4
certainly the one dictating events. ig4! 12.;Wd2 d4 13.'Lle2 id6 14.h3 ixf4
l 5 ... ixe2 l 5.'Llxf4 id7 16.®e2t 'rftf e7 l 7.a5 ic6= leads
15 ... geSN 16.f3 id7! 17.d3 ®b6 18.m1 to an approximately equal ending.
ge7 l 9.if4 gae8 20.ie5 ic6t would have
placed White in real difficulties, but it is I0 ....ie7 l l.ctJf4 ctJxf4 12 ..ixf4 d4! 13.ctJe4
rather difficult to conceive that returning the 'tJxe4 l 4.dxe4 0-0=
bishop to d7 can be best. With all knights gone it does not matter so
l 6.®xe2 ge8 l 7.®f3 ®b6 l 8.ixd5 'Llxd5 much that the a2-bishop has seen the light
19.®xd5 gad8 20.®f3 ®xd4 21.®xb7 ic5 again; the a2-g8 diagonal can (and should) be
22.g3 h6 23.d3 ®xd3 24.ie3 ixe3 25.gaJ contested by Black. For example:
®e4 26.®xe4 ixf2t 27.§'.xf2 gxe4=
McShane - Shirov, Germany 2012. 15.c3!?
l 5.id5 ie6! l 6.ixb7 ga7 17.icG 'rft!c8
6.. .c2Jf6 18.id5 ixd5 l 9.exd5 'rftff5 20.'rft!f3 gd7
Now the two most common replies are: 21.8fel id6 22.ixd6 'rft!xf3 23.gxf3 8xd6
C3I) 7.d3 and C32) 7.0-0. 24Jfe5 8fd8 25.gae 1 @f8= is equal.
C31) 7.d3 dS 8.exdS
8.ia2 dxe4 9.dxe4 b5!? 00

Reaching a double-edged position.
10.f3
1O.e5!?N 'Llg4 l l.ctlxd4 cxd4 l 2.®xg4 dxc3
13.0-0 ib7 14.bxc3 Wlc7 15.Wig3 (15.axb5
axb5 16.gd} h5 17.®e2 ie7! 18.®xb5t
icG 19.®e2 ga4 gives Black tremendous
play for the pawns) l 5... bxa4 00 was more
critical.
a b c d e f g h
186
16.ixe6 fxe6 17.ieS if6 18.Wb3 Wd7 7 ... d6!? 8.d3 ct:Jc6 9.d4 cxd4 10.ct:Jxd4 fd7
19.ixf6 ~xf6 20.Wc4 gcs 21.aS WbS! does not look like a bad option, especially if
22.WxbS axbS 23.cxd4 cxd4 Black is going all our for a win.
s B~B B*B
B''/.,
8.exdS exdS 9 .ia2
Here I recommend a tried and tested move:
7BiB
6 B Bi~~ B
sHi'B B B
4 "''B •bB B
3BBBB//
2
1
H B HbH
~~r,,,,B Bg=
/,~;; %~ ~ /,,,,,/
a b c d e f g h
Black should hold the ending, as his worse
structure is compensated for by both the
activity of his rooks and his control of the
c4-square. The importance of this square is
highlighted after the further:
24.gfcl ~ff8 25.@fl ~c4! 26.b3 ~c3

27.gxc3 dxc3 28.b4 ~c8 29.@e2 ~c4 10.d3!
30.@d3 ~xb4 Now White starts toying with the idea of
The draw is near. taking on d4.
1O.ct:Jxd4?! cxd4 11.ge 1t fe6 12.ctJxdS
C32) 7.0-0 (l 2.ctJe2?! was the continuation in Keosidi -
Maletin, Russia 2007, and now:
a b c d e f g h
l 2 ... d3N l 3.cxd3 ct:Jg4 with the idea l 4.ct:Jg3?!

7 ... dS ~h4 l 5.h3 ctJxf2! 16.ct:Jf5 fh2t!! 17.@fl ~f4
18.tt:lxg?t ~d7+ would have been strong for 13 ... b5!N l 4.®f3 (l 4.ig5 ie5 l 5.l2Jh5?
Black.) l 2 .. .CLlxd5 13.ixd5 just drops a pawn to l 5 ... b4 l 6.l2Je2 ixh2t
17.~hl ie5+) 14 ... ib7 15.ig5 h6 16.ih4
8 .i ;/;" ie5 l 7.ltJh5 l2Jce8 18.E&ae 1 ®d6 l 9.l2Jxf6t!
7 ;/,:,/ & (l 9.axb5 l2Jxh5 20.®xh5 l2Jf6+) l 9 ... l2Jxf6
j;;~;.
20.ixf6 ixf6 2 l .ixd5 ixd5 22.l2Jxd5 bxa4=
6 i
5
4
3
a b c d e f g h
13 ... ixh2t 14.~xh2 ®xd5 15.d3 0-0N
l 6.if4 E&ac8 Black is slightly better, because of
his safer king and the potential pressure down
the c-file.
I0 .. .'tJe6!?
Not forced, bur in my opinion good enough:
Black covers the f4- and g5-squares so as to
reduce the pressure on his sensitive d5-pawn.
l 1.ctJg3 l l...ixg3 l 2.fxg3 0-0 has been the standard

This looks like the most testing continuation,
continuation in practice, but I'd rather not
intending to soften up Black's defences by
give White the advantage of the two bishops
means of ltJh5.
so easily. That said, the position is just unclear.
l 1.f4 looks a bit anti-positional to me,

12.ctJhS
although it might just be okay. 1 l ... l2Jc7!
The critical reply.
12.f5 0-0 13.l2Jg3 was Xie - Votava, Khanty-
Mansiysk (ol) 2010:
l 2.id2 if4 is in my opinion fine for Black, for
instance: l 3.a5 ixd2 l 4.®xd2 gb8 l 5.l2Ja4
8 .i j_~ b5! l 6.axb6 id7 l 7.ib3 ixa4 l 8.ixa4
1 ;%/. i •II E&xb6= The a4-bishop is still not functional,
6 ;', "~. and Black's well-placed knights outweigh his
5 i:i slightly inferior pawn structure.
4
12 ... ltJxhS 13.~xhS l2Jd4
3 Z/.;;
,",;,~
,
This counterattack against c2 is the point
behind 11...0-0!?. White gets a temporary
initiative now, but it shouldn't be enough to
a b c d e f g h distort the balance of power.
188 2.ctJd ctJc6
ab c def g h ab c def g h
14.~gS °Wd7 15.lthdS 16 ... 'Wg4 17.'Wxg4 ~xg4 18.lthaS 'Dxal
15.!xd5 'Llxc2 16.Bacl 'Llb4! 17.!c4 b6! 19.Bxal Bxa8 20.~dS Bh8=
18.Bcel 1Wg4 looks okay for Black.
C4) 5.d3
15 ... 'Dxc2 16.'Db6
16.Bacl 'Llb4 17.'Llxb4 cxb4 18.d4 is
probably a stiffer test, yet after l 8 ... b5 l 9.axb5
(19.ib 1 g6 20.\Wh6 Be8 2 l.!f6 if8=)
l 9 ... \Wxb5 20.d5 Be8! I wouldn't say that Black
has any real problems. A wonderful tactical
point associated with Black's last is:
a b c d e f g h
Trying to secure a retreat for the bishop
on b3.
s... e6
Here there is no point in playing 5 ... b5 first,
as the bishop can be moved to b3 instead of
d5.
The final split of the chapter will cover

C41) 6.'Df3 and C42) 6.'Dge2.
After 16.'Lib6 the game peters out to a drawish
ending:
C41) 6.ctJf3 c2Jf6 7.0-0 l 2.ig5 Designed to soften Black's control

over dG and c5. 12 .. .fG! An easy yet correct
7.e5?! is bad in view of: 7 ... d5 8.exfG dxc4 move: Black keeps the two bishops and opens
9.fxg7 ixg7 10.dxc4!? (After 10.0-0 cxd3 lines. What could be more natural? 13.exfG
1 l.~xd3 id7 l 2.ctJxd4 ixd4 l 3.ie3 icG+ ctJxfG 14.ixfG (After 14.Ei'.el 0-0 15.~d2 hG
we have transposed to the game Tiviakov - 1G.if4 dG 17 .ig3 Black was already better in
Fedorov. Wijk aan Zee 2001, where Black Degraeve - P. Popovic, Germany 2004. I think
already had the upper hand due to the open that the best way to increase Black's advantage
g-file and his strong bishops.) 1O... b5!+ Black's was 17 ... e5!N+, making the g3-bishop a
razor-like bishops offer him more than enough passive spectator at the game.)
compensation on a wide-open board.
7 ... bS 8.il.b3 ctJxb3 9.axb3 il.h7

Leading to a position where the B-knight
blocks the f-pawn, thus depriving White of
any serious attacking chances.
10.eS
There is nothing else.
10 ... ctJdS 11.ctJe4 il.e7

a b c d e f g h
Now White has another decision to make:
14 ... gxfG! 15.EJ'.el 0-0 16.d4 cxd4 17.ctJxd4
~h8 l 8.ctJg3 Ei'.g8+ Black had the better chances
in Hou Yifan - Ushenina, Krasnoturyinsk
2007. In the end White managed to win the
game, but this had nothing to do with the
outcome of the opening.
After 12.c4 there follows what I consider to be

a correct sequence:
I2 ... l2Jb4 13.°1We2!

1his is designed to enable id2-c3 by
protecting d3.
a b c d e f g h
12.c4!? 13.ie3 Ei'.c8 14.Ei'.cl ctJa2 15.Ei'.al ctJb4 16.Ei'.cl
An interesting possibility: evicting the black
ltJ a2 17 .EJ'.a 1 ltJ b4 == does not let White
knight from its strong centralized position. pressurize the c-pawn, and the game was given
up as a draw in Solak - Kutuzovic, Sibenik
l 2.d4 cxd4 l 3.~xd4 0-0 l 4.id2 was Tissir 2005.
- Bengafer, Dubai 2005, and now 14 .. .fG!N+
would have shown up White's strategy as a 13 ... 0-0 14.il.d2!
complete failure. Sticking to the original plan.
190
l 4.ie3 has the idea to coordinate the rooks In case of 1 s.mc1

bxc4! I 6.bxc4 fS l 7.exf6
before pressurizing cS, but after: 14 .. Jk8 ixf6 l 8.iLc3 ie7!= Black stands absolutely
15.E&acl! (15.E&fcl?! dS! 16.exd6 ixd6+ is fine, as he can operate simultaneously on
even worse for White as d3 has turned into a both the f-file and the long h l-a8 diagonal -
weakness.) 15 ... dS! 16.exd6ixd617.E&fd1 creating counterplay.
a b c d e f g h
1s .. .lbc6!
This is the point: the eS-pawn is under
pressure due to the ... b4 threat, so White is
forced to immediately sacrifice his knight.
After the sacrifice, however, the position
becomes equal.
16.ctJf6t gxf6 17.exf6 ~xf6! 18.~xf6 'Wf4

19.~c3 'Wg4=
Black has good pressure against g2 and this
outweighs his weakness on the dark squares.
C42) 6.ctJge2
14 .. JWc7N
Cornette's suggestion is strongest here.
14 ... aS!? 15.ic3 bxc4 16.bxc4 Wc7 l 7.lilf6t

gxf6 18.exf6 ixf6 l 9.ixf6 Wf4 20.WeS lilxd3
21.Wxf4 lilxf4= led to a draw in Pospelov
- Varlamov, corr. 2009, but I am not sure
whether White had to play l 7.lilf6t.
15.~c3
a b c d e f g h
,---
This is considered the best move: White 12.a4? (12.Wg3 0-0 13.a4 gb8+ would have
needs his f-pawn unblocked to work up some given White a bad but tenable position)
action. 12 ... c4 13.axbS lLib4! 0-1 saw White suffer
an opening catastrophe in Kapce - Gil, corr.
6 ... t;Jf6 7.0-0 2008.
7 .a4 dS = transposes to variation C3 l.
9.lLig3 has been tried in correspondence
7 ... bS chess, but I doubt it is a solution to White's
Black immediately grabs the offered space. problems. After 9 ... ie7 IO.gel (10.igS h6
l l.ixf6 ixf6 12.f4 id4t 13.~hl happened
8.~b3 t;J c6! in Vocaturo - Cmilyte, Wijk aan Zee 2012,
Although I am a big fan of bishops, my and here I think that Black could have
conv1ct1on is that in the present situation obtained the upper hand with 13 ... gS!N. No,
retreating is best. After all, what is the white the computers won't suggest this move to you!
bishop doing on b3? In my own games I have 14.Wcl gxf4! l 5.Wxf4 WgS! 16.Wxf7t ~d8+
chosen to take this bishop mechanically, but I Black is a pawn down and cannot castle, but his
now think that this relieves White and gives total dark-square domination, in conjunction
him something to play for. What makes our with the bad b3-bishop, make this position
knight retreat good is that White's play is too extremely dubious for White.) 1O... d6 l l .a4
one-sided with his king's knight developed on gbS 12.ie3 0-0 13.axbS axbS 14.4Jce2 Wb6
e2, because he lacks control of the eS-square. l 5.lLif4 lLid4 l 6.ixd4 cxd4 l 7.lLih3
a b c d e f g h
l 7 ... lLid7 18.gfl lLicS l 9.f4 Wds 20.ia2 b4
a b c d e f g h 21.fS b3 22.ixb3 4Jxb3 23.cxb3 eS 24.ga7 dS
25.lLif2 ib7 26.Wg4 f6+ Black had the better
9.~gS
prospects in Pospelov - Y. Petrov, corr. 2012.
This is actually the most popular move
according to my database, but it has a dismal
9.a4 is a move that has been played by Rauf
score. I'm not sure what White should play
Mamedov, so it deserves attention. After 9 ... b4
though.
(9 .. _gbS!?N is not out of the question) I 0.CLJ b 1
R. Mamedov - Vidit, Kolkata 2009, I believe
After 9.We 1, for example, Black simply
Black would have secured the more pleasant
plays 9 ... ie7, renewing the idea of ... dS.
position after the direct:
The continuation 1O.f4 dS 11.eS lLid7
192 2. ctJ c3 ctJ c6
s i: B.t.~•B i~
7 H
w~ Hi~if&ri
-if$~ / ,,% / .. /
6&Bll)Ba•
5 •••.
B //%./,,,~~-,,%
Ww / .. / %% ,,,,%
4 B Bt~ B
a / . , . a aH
3H~ft}tH
2 t~tBtJJBtf~
z / ziil ~- z
1 ~m HVH~i~
a b c d e
~,0r/
f g h
I0 ... ctJg4!? 1l,j,xe7 ctJxe7 12.'\Wel c4!
13.dxc4 bxc4 14,j,a4 °1Wh6t 15.@hl 0-0CIO
9,.,j,e7 Black seemed to have the more pleasant
White is rather struggling for equality, with position in Van Overdam - Anton Guijarro,
a sample line being: Prague 2012.
I0.f4 Conclusion
I0.a4 b4 11.ctJ b 1 happened in Drabke -
Bauer, Switzerland 2004, and here I like: The Tiviakov Grand Prix Attack is an
7.&~·~,~
s
6
5~
~
AB.i.~fflB i~
-~~~
-i~ifli
f~ ~
»
~
~
%%
interesting system that includes several
positional nuances, but in the end the
precarious state of White's light-squared
bishop seems to be the telling factor - denying
the first player any chances for an advantage.
3-~-b-.
,/,,,,/'., ~- ,,,,,,%
After the correct 3 ... ctJd4! I believe that Black
Lsm BLsB B
·b·~·b·
4 gets the better practical chances, perhaps with
the exception of those lines where White
retreats his bishop to c4 and employs a set-up
involving a2-a4 and ctJ g l -e2. In these lines the
2 ~m~~°iY~M~
~ ~
/,/, /,,,';;
play is approximately balanced, though this is
a b c d e f g h
only natural as White avoids being suffocated
l 1...h6N 12.ih4 d5 13.exd5 exd5 14.ctJd2 too much on the queenside. In addition,
0-0 15 .Be I Be8+ Black has a small but definite with the knight on e2, he has as many guns
plus due to his space advantage. The b3-bishop as possible targeting the critical d5-square,
is still out of play and the white knights are securing himself just enough counterplay to
struggling to find appropriate squares. avoid being worse.
Overall this system is not troublesome for
us, and I expect the readers to score a lot of
points after studying the material I have
presented here.
i. .· · · j_ ~~.,t'I),~
8
7 •
6
'
• • • •i;/·,
/ ' ••
/ '}ii'/
/ / /
5 •
4
3
a b c d e f g h
Variation Index
1.e4 cS 2.CtJc3 lt:Jc6 3.lt:Jge2!?
3 ... lt:Jd4!?
A) 4.f4 194
B) 4J%bl 196
C) 4.lt:Jxd4 cxd4 197
Cl) S.lt:J bS!? 197
C2) S.lt:Je2 199
D) 4.d3 201
A) after 8.~xd C2) after 6.eS!? D) after 8.bxd
6
..
5 5
4 4
3 ·..
2 ~
1 ]1
a h c d e f g h a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
8 ... a6!'.\ 6 ... '~c7!N 8 ... d6!?N

194
1.e4 cS 2.ltJc3 ctJc6 3.ctJge2!? chess is a game of exceptions, as the black

This way of developing appears more knight has moved three times in a row to
cunning than 3.4Jf3, as the king's knight deliver mate as early as the 4th move - not a
would be far more flexibly placed if Black now bad achievement for a poor beast.
decided to stop d2-d4 with ... e5. However,
Black does not have to comply with White's 4.b3 has been the topic of discussion in a
wishes, and can exploit the rather clumsy couple of correspondence games, but the
placement of the e2-knight to stop d2-d4 in a bishop appears misplaced on b2. One game
slightly unorthodox way: continued: 4 ... d6 5.ib2 id7!? 6.4Jxd4 cxd4
7.4Je2 ltJf6 8.4Jxd4
a b c d e f g h
3 ... ctJd4!?
Moving the same piece twice at such an early
stage may appear bad strategy, but the Russian
GM Vyacheslav Ikonnikov has proven the
move's viability over the years by employing
it regularly. If the white knight stood on f3
instead of e2, the first player could play 4.ic4
with a slight edge. As things stand though,
this natural reply is not possible and White's A) 4.f4 g6
development is impeded by the enemy knight's
presence in the centre. As for the argument
that taking the d4-knight gives White a better
pawn structure, praxis has shown that it merely
enables Black to develop quickly and actively,
obtaining good counterplay.
White's main options are A) 4.f4, B) 4J~bl,

C) 4.ctJxd4 and the natural D) 4.d3.
You cannot really call 4.g3?? an option,
as 4 ... ctJf3# would end the game in a rather
ridiculous manner. This does highlight that
Chapter 11 - 3.'Llge2 195
I don't believe that Black should experience

any problems here. s i.B
B B•B
/,,,,,/, B ~~
/,,,,,Y,
7R.i.Bi•i~i
H H ~,,,,,, ,,,,,,~
5.Cthd4 cxd4 6.~bS
6.ctJe2 fg7 7.d3 e6 8.g3 ctJe7 9.ig2 0-0 6&R ~iRaR
10.0-0 d6 11.d dxd 12.bxd bS 13.fe3 slRiR R R
fd7~ looks excellent for Black too. 4 B Bbrfj B
~ ~ /,,,/, ~
6 ... ~g7 7.c3 dxc3 8.~xc3 3B
::~ :;,,~ ~ B
,,, rtJ H
This appears more natural than 8.dxc3 a6
9.ctJd4 ~c7 10.id3 d6 11.0-0 ctJf6 12.fS 0-0
2 bffj -~-bWIJ
~.~
/,,,;:: ?;',,,/,
13.~e2 fd7 14.if4 2'.aeS~. 1~~

, .,/ BiV~
~ /,,,,,,/ B:
H
a b c d e f g h
13 ... ~c6 14.0-0 0-0 15.~cl gcs 16.~d2
fS 17.eS gS 18.g3 ~aS 19.b3 gxf4 20.gxf4
@h8 21.~f3 gg8 22.@hl
1he bishop on g7 is not as bad as it seems; it
has a square on h6 from which to operate, and
the white king feels the draught on the aS-hl
diagonal. A possible continuation is:
a b c d e f g h
8 ... a6!N
8 ... e6?! happened in Ubach Miralda -
Gardela Batlle, Barcelona 2011, bur I don't
like it so much in view of 9.f2l bS!Nt.
9.d4 bS!
9 ... dS!? 10.eS! &cih6 1 Lie3 0-0 12.ie2t is
less appealing.
10.~e3 ~b7 11.dS e6 12.~e2!

12.fd4?! ct:Jf6 13.ie2 0-05= with the idea
14.iJ.3 exdS 15.eS ctJe4.
12 ... ~e7
12 ... ctJf6 13.iO;;
13.d6
13.id4 0-0 14.ixg7 ;Qxg7 15.~d4t f6=
B) 4J~bl to an approximately balanced ending, with

chances for both sides.
S ... hS!?
White looks a bit better after: 5 ... d6 6.LtJxd4
cxd4 7.LtJe2 e5 8.c3! dxc3 9.LtJxc3 LtJf6 10.ie2
ie7 11.0-0 0-0 12.d4 bS 13.ie3 ib7 14.f3±
6.a4! e5 7.~d2!
7.LtJxd4 cxd4 8.LtJdS ib7 9.ie2 LtJe7+
a b c d e f g h
Boris Spassky once played this, bur it doesn't
feel like the most critical move in the world.
4 ... a6!?N
4 ... e6N 5.LtJxd4 cxd4 6.LtJb5 00 gives rise to
an unclear position which is worth further
investigation.
4 ... e5 was tried in Spassky - Bartsch,
Germany 1984, and the 10th World
a b c d e f g h
Champion went on to win a long game. 7 .. .ttJf6! 8.axhS ~h7! 9.~al!?
9.bxa6 Ei'.xa6 I 0.LtJg3 hS! l l .h4 ie7~ leads
5.d3 to a position with decent compensation for
Interesting is 5.b4!? cxb4 6.Ei'.xb4 eS 7.Ei'.xd4!? Black, as the h4-pawn will be weak after White
exd4 8.LtJxd4, and now: castles.
9 ... ~e7 10.bxa6 ~xa6 11.ctJg3 0-0 12.~e2

l 2.LtJce2 dS~
12 ... dS 13.0-0 dxe4 14.ctJcxe4 ctJxe4

15.ctJxe4 fS 16.ctJg3
16.LtJc3 ~d6~
16 ... ~b7 17J:ha8 ~xa8 18.f3 ~a2 19.c3

19.ic3 igS~
a b c d e f g h
19 ... ctJb3;;
8 ... d6 9.ic4 LtJf6 10.0-0 ie7 11.~f3 0-0 Black's compensation for the pawn appears
12.LtJdS LtJxdS 13.ixdS if6 14.LtJfS ixfS quite good, and I would rate the chances as
15.~xfS ~c8 16.~xc8 Ei'.axc8 l 7.c3 b5= leads even.
Chapter 11 - 3.ctJge2 197
C) 4.CLlxd4 cxd4 An active move that has been tried by strong

players, so it is deserving of close attention.
This has been the most popular continuation
in tournament practice. White has a choice S... eS 6.1Mfh5! d6 7.~c4 g6 8.1Mff3!
between an active and a more restrained Instead, 8.\We2?! a6 9.ctJa3 ig7 I0.c3 ctJe7
course: Cl) 5.ctJbS!? or C2) 5.ctJe2. 11.cxd4 was the continuation in Antoniewski
- A. Kovalev, Czech Republic 2006, and here
Weaker is 5.ctJdS?! e6 6.ctJf4 b6! 7.d3 ib7+. most accurate appears:
5.ctJb 1?! dS! 6.ibSt (6.eS id7+ is also a bit

better for the second player, who can try to
provoke f2-f4 by attacking the eS-pawn with
... \Wc7; White's kingside would be rather weak,
and relatively bare of defenders.)
6
5
4
3
2 /ts ts fj fj;
:gltJ~:iV~; g
a b c d e f g h
6 ... id7 7.ixd7t \Wxd7 8.exdS 8c8 9.0-0
ctJf6+ Black has a slight spatial advantage and
better long-term chances.
Cl) 5.ctJbS!?
6
a b c d e f g h
5
8 ... ~e6 9.~xe6
4 9.~b3?! a6 I0.t2la3 ~g7 l 1.d3 8c8 I2.fd2
3 bS!+ was more comfortable for Black in
Wedberg - Bisrric, Sweden 2000, in view of
2 8 Jj/ 8 //J l!i 8 }{y the awkward position of the a3-knight.
"~, ~/if@~ li 9 ... fxe6
a b c d e f g h
With an unclear position, offering chances 1 l ... CLle7 12.d3

to both sides. 12.d!?N
Black should be careful to find an accurate
reply:
12 ... a6!
12 ... 1g7 13.i%4! (13.cxd4 exd4 14.Wb4?!
0-0! 15.4Jxd4 [15.C2hd6? 4Jc6 16.Wa3
~hd8+ is awful for White, as Black has a huge
lead in development and ... d3 is coming]
l 5 ... d5!~ gives Black lots of compensation
for the pawn.) 13 ... 4Jc8 l 4.a4t White has
the more pleasant position.
13.4Ja3 b5 14.c4 ig7 15.cxb5 0-0!?
With unclear play. For example:
16.bxa6
l 6.d3 axb5 17.fd2 (after l 7.Wxb5, a typical
line illustrating Black's compensation is
17 ... ctJc618.Wb3d5! 19.Wdl ctJb420.We2
gfc8!~) 17 ... mbs l 8.4Jc2 4Jc6= The engines
say it's equal, and I cannot see any problem
~~*•
with Black's position.
8
7
;e: ¥{~ •\UJJ~~
fi?} %~ &
3.~.;:::.·%./%
%~l.. %~~ § ' .~.. ~•
6 . 0,:
A
... ~-·
.. % .. ; : A&;~.~.
A ~&A ~
ff&".~
~
~W;/ y}/// ;;~ ·::::0;
5 ~. ~if: , ef.a% .. ~
4 ~
~ ~ ~.~
~.l&".~- 0A ~,:-%
;:A/ M}~
3 3M°JJJJ~if:
:~. ' § ;431
~
f~ief ~
~
2 fj %(j·
:: ; /%:;
} ;;
%tj'~
~ 1
;: 3
f~fj/-~1 fj ::%/j·~
L .. ;;
~ 1
;;
1
~~ ~
a b c d
Its:=
e f g h
a b c d e f g h 16 .. Ji'.xa6!
16 ... d5!N 17.exd5 4Jxd5t Black is far better White is better after 16 ... d5?! l 7.®b7! Wxb7
developed, and the white queen stands on a 18.axb7 ga7 19.d3t.
bad spot. In fact, the Russian GM allowed 17.Wh3
his opponent some much needed respite to 17.d3 4Jc6 18.id2 gb8 19.Wc2 d5~ looks
reorganize his forces by playing 16 ... 0-0?!, at least equal for Black, as White's men are
after which he even stood significantly worse clumsily placed.
at a later stage of the game. l 7 ... d5! l 8.d3
l 8.exd5 e4!~
10 ...'l!Md7 11.0-0 18 ... Wb7 19.f3 ge8~
11.d d5! 12.exd5 a6~ Although White is a pawn up, his position
Chapter 11 - 3.~ge2 199
appears cut in two and his forces are This is the move the engines prefer, even if
uncoordinated. only by a small margin.
S... dS!
A standard reaction.
5 ... e5 has also been played, bur I don't like it so

much. After 6.ctJg3 ctJf6 7.ic4± White seems
to have a slight edge, in view of the strongly
placed bishop on c4 and the possibility to
play c2-c3 at a later stage. In the ensuing
positions it will not be easy for Black to stir up
counterplay.
6.eS!?
a b c d e f g h The critical reply.
12 .. .Ctk6 13.~gSN
13.c3N ie7 l 4.cxd4 a6 l 5.d5 axb5 l 6.dxc6 Obviously 6.ctJxd4 dxe4 7.ib5t id7 8.0-0
bxc6= looks even. ctJf6= is okay for us.
l 3.f4 a6 l 4.ctJa3 b5 l 5.fxe5 ctJa5 l 6.Wb4 ctJc6

was also level in Critter - Srrelka, engine game
2012.
13 ... ~e7 l 4.~xe7 ~xe7!?=

The chances look balanced to me, as White's
pieces are a bit strange on the queenside.
a b c d e f g h
6 .. JWc7!N
In my view, it is important to force
5 weaknesses in the enemy camp.
4
:;0,,
3 /~;,;·~;; 6 ... Wb6
'.;;:~;;:;> TI1is is the usual continuation in praxis, but
2 I believe it leads to a small but solid edge for
White.
7.c3 dxc3 8.dxc3 e6 9.ctJd4 id7 10.id3 ctJe7
a b c d e f g h This was Rowson - Gallagher, Scarborough
1999, and here Rowson rightly recommends:
200
a b c d e f g h
11.0-0 ct:Jc6 12. ct:J f3!

12.CLixc6 ixc6 13.b4!? is another possibility,
intending ie3-d4, but after 13 ... ib5! 8... d3!
14.ie3 °1Wa6 15.ixb5t °1Wxb5 16.°1Wg4 Ek8 Giving up a pawn, to slow down White's
it is not clear whether White has more than development and make the position static,
a tiny edge. looks like the best choice.
12 ... ie7 13.Bel!
With a pleasant position for the first player. 9.cxd3 ~d7 10.b3 e6 l 1.~b2 'l.Wb6 I2.~d4
The following point is important: ~cS 13.~xcS 'l.WxcS 14.'l.Wcl 'l.Wb6;;
13 ... 0-0?!
13 ... BcS!? is probably better, but still I don't
like Black's position
14.°1Wc2!~
With dangerous pressure, as Black is forced
to weaken the protective pawn cover in front
of his king.
7.f4~g4!
This may appear a bit provocative, but
Black wants to tempt his opponent to weaken
himself further.
8.h3 a b c d e f g h
The natural reply. We have reached a posmon that is hard
to assess: Black has play for the pawn, and
8.b3 e6 9.h3 ih5!? 1O.g4 igG 11.ct:Jxd4 he can try to set up a formation with ... h5
ic5~ leads to a rather unclear position; Black and ... ctJe7-f5 to contain a future kingside
certainly has serious compensation for the expansion, while White should try to exchange
pawn. queens as quickly as possible and subsequently
push his opponent back, in order to make
8.d3 e6 9.c3 dxc3 10.°1Wa4t °1Wd7 11.°1Wxd7t something out of his doubled extra pawn.
ci>xd7 12.bxc3 ctJe7 13.id hS 14.ct:Jd4 ct:Jf5= I feel the position should be about equal, but
is a comfortable ending for Black. practical tests are needed.
Chapter 11 - 3.'Llge2 201
D) 4.d3 I have found nothing better for White at this

point.
S.gbl does not have much point when d2-d3

has already been played, due to 5 ... ~e7! 6.~xd4
cxd4 7.~e2 ~c6 8.c3 dxc3 9.bxc3 d5=.
After 5.ie3 Black, somewhat surprisingly,

moves the e-pawn again: 5 ... eS! 6.~dS (6.f4
d6 7.~dS ~e7 8.~ec3 ie6=)
This move is the main preference of the

silicon entities, trying to put the knight on
d4 under quick pressure by developing the
cl-bishop to e3. But White may also want to
play ~xd4 under better conditions, which is
something d2-d3 prepares. a b c d e f g h
6 ... ~e7! 7.igS h6 8.ixe7 ixe7 9.~xd4
4 ... e6!? (9.~g3 g6 10.c3 ~e6 l l.ie2 ~c7 12.~xc7t
I like this modest developing move. ~xc7 13.~fl b6 14.~e3 ib7= is also quite
The overambitious 4 ... g6 5.~xd4 cxd4 level) 9 ... cxd4 10.ie2 b6 l l.O-Oib712.~xe7
6.~e2 ig7 led to an advantage for White after: ~xe7 13.f4 0-0 14.fxeS gac8! 15.~d2 gcS=
5 ... cxd4 6.CLJe2 ~c5 7.c3!

With this move White creates a mobile pawn
centre, and it goes without saying that it is his
only chance for an advantage.
5
4 7 ... dxc3 8.bxc3
3
2
a b c d e f g h
7.c3! dxc3 8.~xc3 d6 9.d4 ~f6 10.ie2 0-0
11.0-0 eS l 2.ie3 id7 13.gcl exd4 l 4.ixd4
ic6 l 5.b4 ge8 l 6.f3 a6 l 7.a4± Ponomariov -
Moiseenko, Kharkov 2001.
5.CLJxd4
202
8 ... d6!?N 14.0-0 eS! 15.f4 exf4 16.Ei'.xf4 ie6 17.cj:;>hl

I believe that Black should start with this ic4! l 8.ixc4 Vfjxc4 19Jff2 f6 20.c2ifl cj:;>hs
cautious move. 21.'Lle3 ~e6 22.Vfjf3 Ei'.ac8=
White looks slightly more comfortable, but
Instead, 8 ... eS?! 9.d4 exd4 10.cxd4 ib4t he has his weaknesses too; this is a position
l l .id2± allowed White a clear central where anything can happen.
preponderance in Anderson - Mutton,
London 2000, and he went on to win. 9.CtJg3 ~b6 I0.~e2 lbf6 11.0-0 0-0
8 ... 'Lle7
This one is also viable.
9.d4 ib6 10.ia3!
Black's task is easier after: 10.f4 Vfjc7 l I .id2
dS 12.eS id7 13.'Llg3 iaS 14J:kl a6
l 5.id3 ibS 16.ixbSt axbS 17 .0-0 g6 00
The same is true of: 10.'Llg3 Vfjc7 l l.id2 eS!
12.id3 d6 13.0-0 0-0 00
10 ... d6
I haven't been able to find an advantage for
White, but the truth is that Black has to
tread carefully.
12.d4 is well met by: 12 ... eS 13.cj:;>hl dS!

14.ia3 Ei'.e8 15.dxeS 'Llxe4 16.'Llxe4 dxe4
l 7.id6 i,fS=
I2 .. JWc7 I3.c4!?
A committal decision, but there is nothing
else if White aspires to win.
l 1.'Llg3!?
This is the most testing. 13.id2 dS~ is excellent for Black.
11.'Llf4 0-0 12.ie2 Vfjc7 13.0-0 '.§d8
14.'t/fjd2 eS 15.'LlhS ie6 16.cj:;>hl (16.f4 A draw arises after 13 .igS Vfj xc3 14 .Ei'.cl 't/fjb2
exd4! l 7.cxd4 fS!= is not a problem for us) 15.Ei'.c2 't/fjd4 16.Ei'.c4 't/fjb2=.
16 ... t2lg617.f4exf418.'Llxf4t2ixf419.Ei'.xf4
f6= is quite solid for the second player
1I...Vfjc712.Ei'.cl 0-0 13.ie2!
13.id3 ixd4! or 13.'t/fjd2 eS~.
13 ... '.§d8!
13 ... fS 14.exfS 'LlxfS l 5.id3±
Chapter 11 - 3.ct:lge2 203
Conclusion
After l.e4 c5 2.'Llc3 ct:'lc6 3.'Llge2, Ikonnikov's

3 ... ct:'ld4!? is an interesting way to take play
into relatively uncharted territory, where Black
has good chances to play for a win. There
are a few challenging positions, particularly
after 4.d3 and 4.CDxd4 (even Spassky's 4.E~b 1
shouldn't be underestimated), but I think
that overall I provided interesting suggestions
where required. In several cases White obtains
a pawn more in the centre - meaning that we
have to counter-strike with accuracy in order
to maintain equality. It is in these positions
the reader should delve deeper, as they are the
most difficult to handle.
In general this was a pleasant chapter,
with many original opening ideas and lots of
room for improvisation for the dedicated and
ambitious researcher. I hope that my ideas
will be expanded and shaped into formidable
weapons, bringing Black players a lot of points.
a b c d e f g h
Variation Index
1.e4 c5 2.ctJc3 ctJc6 3.ctJf3 e5 4.~c4
4 ... ~e7!
A) 5.ctJd5 d6 6.d3 ct1f6 205
Al) 7.c3 0-0 205
Al I) 8.ctJxf6t 206
A12) 8.0-0 208
A2) 7.ctJe3 209
B) 5.d3 ct1f6 210
Bl) 6.ctJd2 210
B2) 6.0-0 0-0 214
B21) 7.~g5 d6 8.~xf6 ~xf6 9.ctJd5 ~b8! 10.a4 ~e6! 215
B211) 11.~e2 216
B212) 1I.~d2 217
B22) 7.ctJg5 h6 8.f4! exf4 218
B221) 9.ctJh3 219
B222) 9.ctJf3 221
A12) note to 10.a3 B22) note to 8.f4! B222) after l S.c;th1
/.;;i, ~ ;if.~/
8
7
;j i /2 .·.1'· . & . ;·.·.
6 .); ••;~. & ·1&. &~
/,;;;, :A: A ,°'Al A
5 :; /!:!: %'· <{

4 ,&. ~.cf;;b &
3 ; b .JltJ. (
2 lJ .• i§7/ b l!J:;
I.;~ <:;M'.};@
10 ... exd4!N l 1...t2lh5!N 15 ... eS!?N

Chapter 12 - 3.lilf3 205
1.e4 cS 2.ctJc3 ctJc6 3.ctJf3 s... d6 6.d3 ltJf6

A change of direction. White wants to We reach another split: Al) 7.c3 is a
transpose to an open Sicilian after all, having common choice, while A2) 7.ctJe3 has been
sidestepped the dangerous Najdorf and played at a very high level.
Sveshnikov Variations.
Weaker is instead: 7.ctJxe7 ®xe7 8.0-0
3 ... eS (8.igS?! h6 9.ixf6 ®xf6+ is comfortable for
The no-nonsense Universal System, stopping Black) 8 ... 0-0 9.h3 (9.ig5 h6 10.ih4 ie6
d2-d4 once and for all. The dS-square seems to 1 1. ctJ d2 g5 ! 12 .ig3 ixc4 13. ctJ xc4 W' e6!
be a bit weak now, but Black will have enough 14.ctJd d5 15.f3 d4 16.ctJfS ctJe8~ is fine for
time and resources to reinforce it due to the Black, who plans to exchange the fS-knight
closed nature of the position. by playing his knight to g7 or d6 next move.)
9 ... ie6 10.2'.el
4.~c4~e7!
This move is most elastic, keeping open the
option of a direct ... d7-d5 in the future, if the
circumstances allow it.
It is worth checking A) 5.ClldS before moving

on to the main line B) 5.d3.
5.0-0 will most likely transpose to variation

B2 after 5 ... ctJf6.
a b c d e f g h
1O... ctJd7! l 1.c3 Black is contesting the light
squares, so White cannot really do anything
constructive. So far we have followed Deutsch
- Dub, Israel 2003, and here the simple
l 1...h6N = keeps everything under control and
secures equal chances. It is not unthinkable
that Black can opt for ... fS in such a structure
in the future, but of course the consequences
of such an advance need to be well thought
out.
Al) 7.c3
a b c d e f g h This is a logical consequence of the previous

moves, highlighting the fact that White can
When I first saw this position I started
control d4 with a pawn while Black can't do
wondering what happens if White goes after
the bishop pair. The answer is nothing much: the same with the important dS-square.
White loses time and the bishop on e7 is
clearly not Black's best unit. 7 ... 0-0
206 2.ltk3 ltJ c6
7.,.C,/,•nd%.
s ~R.tB ~~•~/
confidence.) 11...t2le7 12.ia2 ib7 l 3.a4
(13.E&el a5 14.b4axb415.axb4cxb416.cxb4
5
4
.~.t25-
6 ,,
.~
~-~•ztn~n
/,.,. ""f E&a8=) 13 ... a6= There are no weaknesses m
Black's camp and he enjoys a fine game.
3R ~bRt2JR
2
1~~
/'J,~%~if~
~•/,,J!l~!l
~l:(
a b c d e f g h
The first player has the following choice:
All) 8.Cthf6t is an interesting option,
blocking a potential march of Black's
f-pawn, though most White players opt for
Al2) 8.0-0.
10.. JWe7!
8.h4 has been played a few times, but looks This solid reply prevents White from carrying
more like a joke to me after: 8 .. .Cllxd5 9.ixd5 out b2-b4 under favourable circumstances.
ig4N Surprisingly, this has never been played.
10.iWb3 '1Wd7 l 1.t2lg5 t2la5! 12.iWc2 h6 13.f3 Vallejo Pons - Radjabov, Morelia/Linares
ie6 14.t2lxe6 fxe6+ There is no attack for 2006, continued with the less accurate 10 ... b6
White and perhaps Black has a slight plus. 11.E&el ie6?!, and after 12.ixe6 fxe6 13.b4!
iWd7 14.id2± White had the easier game with
All) 8.CtJxf6t no risk involved.
This move has been tested by Vallejo, and so ll.~e3N

should be treated seriously. l l.id2 was Topchess - Letchatsspain,
engine game 2014, although the bishop came
8 ... ~xf6 9.0-0 to e3 a few moves later anyway.
In this type of structure White would like
to carry out b2-b4 at some point, starting l l. .. ~e6 12.aS
pressure on the queenside. Black should take This weakens the a-pawn, but there is no
measures to minimize the consequences of this other way to make progress.
advance.
l 2.ixe6 '1Wxe6!= is completely equal, as Black
9 .. J~b8!? I0.a4 controls d5 sufficiently and can retreat his
Obviously the critical response. bishop to e7, planning .. .f5 or ... d5.
1O.a3 b5 11.idS (In the case of l l .ia2 a5

12.a4 b4= White's queenside play has been
stifled, and Black can look to the future with
Chapter 12 - 3.'Llf3 207
s i~ R 0~@R 22.\Wgl ie5 23.icS \Wh5+) 18 ... exf3 19.~hl
6
~-%.R'l)•.t~
7f~aB ·~af~a
R
~ ;§;;. :::•;;;.
§'.fd8 20.id3 IWhS-+ Black has a dangerous
attack as ... b6, followed by a knight sac on d4,
is a realistic possibility.
s~ • •
L.;;;R L .:'.: L.;;; ,;;;:f.f:0 13.1Wb3, on the other hand, is met simply by
4 RilR[jR R 13 ... idS~.
3R Bfj~cZJR 13 .. .°ffxe6 I4.°1Wa4 a6! 1s.ttid2!?

2 fA%
::0;;; ~
~
f~AW~
::0:' o :0;;; 15.b4 cxb4 16.cxb4 d5 17.bS dxe4 18.dxe4
/,,~~
c2Jd4 19.ixd4 exd4 20.eS ixe5 21.§'.fel f6= is
..,,: RVBM~
,@% ~ ;,.,,,/, completely level.
a b c d e f g h
12 .. :ffd7!
A second strong move with the queen,
controlling d5 and allowing the f6-bishop
to harass the a5-pawn from d8 according
to circumstance. I believe that Black has
completely equalized here, with the following
lines providing some evidence:
13 ..ixe6
Having secured a place on a4 for his queen,
White decides it's the most appropriate
moment for this exchange.
a b c d e f g h
Weaker is 13.1Wa4 due to the powerful retort 15 ... .idS!?
13 ... dS!!, for example: 14.exdS ixd5 15.ixcS I like this peculiar-looking retreat.
(safer is 15.ixdS \Wxd5 16.\Wg4!=) l 5 ... ixf3
16.gxf3 16.Ctk4 fS 17.f4 fxe4 18.dxe4 exf4 19 ..ixf4
.ic7
The bishop functions well on c7 despite its
clumsy appearance.
20.°1Wb3
20.§'.ae 1? §'.xf4 21.§'.xf4 d5-+
20 ... h6 21..ig3 ~xflt 22.~xfl 'it>h7=

There is no question of an advantage for
White.
a b c d e f g h
16 ... e4!'. 17.'g1d 1 f{f5'. 18.d4 ( 18.lxf8 exf3
19.:thl ~'h3 20.~gl 1e5 2U~g3 lxg3
208 2.Ltk3 ctJ c6
A12) 8.0-0 ctJxdS!? 9 ..ixdS @h8!? l l .cxd4 ltJ b4 l 2.ib3 ig4!~ Black already
threatens .. JS, assuring himself of equality. For
instance, 13.h3 ixf3 l 4.\Wxf3 cxd4 l 5.id2
ltJc6 16.idS if6= or 16 ... igS!?=.
The logical sequence 1O.ie3 f5 11.exfS ixf5

12.Wd2 We8 13.b4 cxb4 14.cxb4 happened in
the game Moroz - Lputian, Podolsk 1990. The
game was approximately balanced, but rather
than Lputian's 14 ... Wg6, I would have chosen
14 ... a6N= or even 14 ... aS!?N~. The idea is to
take the sting out of b4-b5.
Finally, 1O.Wb3 looks rather primitive to me,

but it has been played in correspondence chess
and so deserves a mention. I think that a simple
and sound reply is 10 ... \Wc7!N=, when I failed
to find anything impressive from White's point
Correspondence chess has focused on 9 ... ie6 of view. The idea is simply .. .f5.
10.ixe6 fxe6 11.a3!?. White wants to gain
space by b2-b4, and I consider his practical 10 ... fS
chances as slightly better. I see no reason for Black to deviate from this.
AR.tB ~~ E
s
:.LI~l j•i
10.a3
"gf.-,. /,R
This is the preference of Houdini, but there
7 •
have been other attempts as well:
In the stem game Yates - Tartakower, Hastings

6 /,
sR •~•aR
~b·~-
1928, White chose the obvious 10.d4.
4 R RbR R
8
1
.i~.t~
.'I)•••
~-
5.4.-~-.
6
LJ
-8~. ~~%~,.,~,
m1• Wir~i
. ~~~j ~
;,"'~~
3~
2 WtJ R WtJ b WtJ
~- J f?,,j ~ L.J
3. ~--ltJ·
a b c d e f g h
11.h3 .if6
WI_;~ ~
1
2 A A W,N_.__~
W!_:_N
-~- Simple and strong, preparing to evict the
O;:Q/, ~ ;:Q/,0:;0;::
c~ - ~-,~ ~- ~;;;,
1 ~~
a b
~v~:a:~
c d e f g h
bishop from d5.
12.b4 ctJe7 13 ..ib3 °\Wes

Tartakower surprisingly replied with the A key move that is part and parcel of Black's
passive 1O... \Wc7?!±. attacking strategy, bringing the queen closer to
Correct is instead the typical: 1O... exd4!N the kingside.
Chapter 12 - 3. ctJ f3 209
8 ... 4Ja5!? 9.ib5 d5!? (9 ... 4Jg4!= looks more

to the point) 1O.exd5 4Jxd5 1 l .ctlxe5 4Jxe3
12.fxe3! (12.ixe31Wb6~)
a b c d e f g h
14.bxcS dxcS 15.:!~~el fxe4 I6.dxe4 °1Wg6
I7.@h2 b6~
Black is about to finish his development
harmoniously and has a promising kingside
initiative.
9.a4 ctJg4
This looks the simplest and most human.
Black wants to free the way for his f-pawn.
9 ... ie6N is a quite reliable way of playing as

well. Possibly White had planned: 1O.id5
(1 O.ixe6 fxe6 11.0-0 d5= is nothing here, as
Black controls b4 and the e3-knight is clumsily
placed.) 10 ... \Wd7 11.0-0 Black can equalize
without much trouble after 11 ... idS!.
Topalov's choice, aiming to maintain some

life in the game, makes sense.
7 ... 0-0 8.c3

White has redeployed his knight to e3 so
that he can control the centre better by c2-c3,
bur the whole operation looks a bit time-
consuming and Black should equalize easily.
8 .. J~b8
a b c d e f g h
210 2. itJ c3 itJ c6
10.0-0 ctJxe3 ll..ixe3 @h8 14.dxcS dxcS 15.VMxdS ~bxd8 16 ..idS l2Jb4
Black threatens ... f5, so Veselin decided it 17 ..ixh7 .ixf3 18.gxf3 ~d7 19 ..idS ctJxdS
was time to act in the centre. 20.exdS ~xdS 21.~fdl ~fd8=
The players had reached an equal ending in
12.d4 Topalov - Radjabov, Nice (rapid) 2009.
A good practical decision.
B) 5.d3
12J~blN f5 13.b4 was also possible, bur at the
same time much riskier.
.'I).~-~
8 ~~~ Jt. \UU {~;::; ~
7 ./ 'Y,~~l Y,~l Y,./,Y,

:?§; .JL ~5;'. ~§; ~~;:
6
sRW,K:_-~fl~rliR
A ~
M ~ A
4 ff~
0 ::L);::~~ 0 ~i
3R R8~~-
2 ~
~ ~
~ Wfj[jwtj
;:;:: ::.L
1 ~g~~
~ ~~§~
1 ~g~
L,Y
a b c d e f g h
Black has a choice between the immediate
White calmly continues his development,
l 3 .. .f4~ or l 3 ... ~e8!? l 4.bxc5 dxc5 l 5.id5
keeping open a variety of schemes.
(15.exf5 ixf5 16.id5 EI'.d8t) I5 ... f4 16.icl
~g6! 17.@hl ig4~ with powerful attacking
s... l2Jf6
chances, as the d5-bishop is cut off from the
Now Bl) 6.ctJd2 is a more positional
defence.
alternative to the main line of B2) 6.0-0. The
critical 6.ctJg5 is the subject of the next chapter.
Bl) 6.tt:~d2 d6 7.ctJfl

Chapter 12 - 3.ctJf3 211
Preparing to control d5 by all available moves to improve his position. These moves
means. are designed to allow the e7-bishop to reach
g5, and subsequently achieve a favourable
7 ... ~g4! 8.f3 trade for the e3-knight or the c I-bishop.
Ernesto Inarkiev has tried 8.Wd2, but The most conventional method of trying to
after: 8 .. Jt:'id7! 9.'~Jd5 (9.l'tJe3 ig5=) 9 ... L'tJb6 materialize the above plan is Sveshnikov's
10.l'tJxb6 (10.ctJxe7 Wxe7 l l.ctJe3 fe6 12.0-0 favourite 10 ... l'tJd7, bur I prefer the slightly
0-0= is equal according to Roiz, who considers riskier 1O... l'tJh5!? - fighting with all available
that a follow-up with .. Jhd8 and ... d5 is on means for dark-square control on the kingside.
the cards. I would add that an alternative way Although I had an unhappy experience with
of playing based on ... 4Jxc4 and .. .f5 is also this move I would still recommend it, as I don't
perfectly feasible.) 1O... axb6 l l .c3 see how White can obtain a plus.
10 ... CtJhS!? 11.g3

Normally White tries this or 11.ctJcdS, but
the moves are likely to transpose to each other.
The idea is to play f3-f4.
11.l'tJedS ig5
This allows Black easy equality, as an
exchange of dark-squared bishops is
structurally healthy and relieves him from
a b c d e f g h his cramp.
12.ixgS
11...0-0 12.Wc2 ie6 13.l'tJe3 ig5~ Black
l 2.f4?! l'tJxf4 l 3.l'tJxf4 fxf4 l 4.ixf4 exf4
had an excellent position with full equality in
l 5.l::i'.xf4 Wg5+
Inarkiev - Roiz, Moscow 2003.
8 ... ~e6 9.CtJe3 0-0 10.0-0 8 i.

6
5
4
3
a b c d e f g h
This is slightly better for us, with a possible

sequel being: 16.l::i'.fl! (16.Wfl L'tJd4t;
16Jff2 l'tJe5! 17.idS? L'tJg4 18.l::i'.f3 We5!-+)
a b c d e f g h 16 ... L'tJd4 17.Wcl! Wxcl 18.l::i'.axcl a6
19.!::i'.fel b5 20.ib3 a5 Black holds a slight
We have reached a tabiya for the 6.lt:'id2
initiative.
variation, with Black having a choice of knight
212
12 ... Wxg5 13.Wcl Wd8!? 16.fi'.xcl

13 ... Wxcl lHhxcl lild4 l 5.<iif2 fi'.ab8 With six minor pieces gone there is no
l 6.a4 fi'.fd8 l 7.lile3 g6= is also equal, bur question of an advantage for White. The
the position is easier for Black if he tries to following sample lines provide evidence that
exchange the minor pieces rather than the this is indeed so:
major ones. 16 ... ctJf4 17.iic4
14.f4
14.a4 h6 15.fi'.f2 lile7= was soon drawn in
Adams - Leko, San Luis 2005.
a b c d e f g h
17 ... gS!N
l 7 ... <iih8 l 8.g3 ctJg6 happened in Leskur -
a b c d e f g h Vuckovic, Mataruska Banja 2008, and here
l 4 ... exf4 l 5.lilxf4 lilxf4 l 6.Wxf4 lild4 17.fi'.f2 l 9.c3!?N± would have offered White a slight
fxc4N edge.
l 7 ... Wd7 18.id5 fi'.ae8 19.fi'.af1 We7 20.a4 18.g3 lilg6 19.Wd2 <iig7! 20.m2 h5! 21.fi'.g2!
a6 21.a5 h6 22.Wg3± left Black under some fi'.h8 22.fi'.f1 h4 23.f4!
pressure in Gritsaenko - Dibley, corr. 2008. 23.gxh4 fi'.xh4 24.Wxg5 Wxg5 25.fi'.xg5
18.dxc4 Wd7 19.lild5 fi'.ae8 20.c3 fi'.ah8~
20.W g5 <iih8 2 l.fi'.af1 f6= 23 ... hxg3 24.hxg3 gxf4
20 ... 4Jc6 21.fi'.dl fi'.e6= 24 ... Wf6!?
Reaching a position where attack and 25.gxf4 <iif8!
defence seem to balance each other. White's
weakness on e4 prevents him from making any
real progress.
11.4Jcd5 ig5
This will most probably transpose to l l .g3,
unless White plays a move like:
12.a4
Allowing Black to demonstrate his main
equalizing idea.
l 2 ... 4Je7! l 3.lilxe7t
l 3.g3 4Jxd5 l 4.lilxd5 ixcl 15.fi'.xcl lilf6=
26.fi'.xg6!?
leaves almost nothing to play for.
26.fxe5 4Jxe5 27.fi'.g5 (27.Wf4 Wh4=)
13 ... Wxe7 14.ctJd5 ixd5 15.ixd5 ixcl
27 ... 4Jxc4 (27 ... <iie8!?) 28.dxc4 We6=
Chapter 12 - 3.ctJf3 213
26 ... fxg6 27.fxeSt ~e8 28.:Sf6 14.!gS!

28.exd6 Wxd6 29.ibSt ~d8 30.WgSt c;tc7 White is already for choice, as he will be left
3 UU7t ~b8= with the superior minor piece.
28.e6 Wh4 29.'1Wg2 '~ds 30.2'.t7 We1 t= 14 ... ixdS 1S.!xd5 h6 16.!h4!? Wd7!
28 ... Wh7! 29.Wg2 dxeS 30J:hg6 gd8= I made matters worse by 16 ... gS?, and my
position was soon in ruins after the energetic
17.f4! tL)xf4 18.gxf4 tL)xd5 19.exdS gxh4
20.WhS Wf6 21.fxeS Wxe5 22.BfS We3t
23.c;th 1 c;th7 2Hfafl f6 25Ji'.5f4± in
Vachier-Lagrave - Kotronias, Moscow 2011.
a b c d e f g h
l 7.!xe7!
l 7.f4?! tL)xd5 18.exdS g6 19.fS tL)g7 20.g4
gxf5! 21.gxfS f6 22.Wf3 Wf7! 23_c;th1 Wh5
24.We4 c;tt7! 25Ji'.f3 gg8 26.ggl gac8!~
was approximately balanced in spite of its
scary appearance in Cimicki - Degryarev,
corr. 2012.
l 7 ... ~xe7 l 8.f4 ~f6 l 9.ic4;;
As in J. Buecker - Oikamo, corr. 2012.
Black is only slightly worse, but this is not a
position I would recommend to the readers as
White has various ideas to put pressure on us.
14.~d2 'llxc4 15.dxc4 ~xdS! 16.~xdS ~e7

a b c d e f g h This position may appear better for White
to the uninitiated, but the plain truth is that
13 ... 'llaS! d6 is easily defendable and the black knight
This move of Eljanov's is best, and it is potentially a better piece than the enemy
completely equalizes the chances. dark-squared bishop. White cannot open up
the position easily, because he is weak on the
13 ... tL)e7
light squares and the knight will start attacking
I once chose this inferior move, allowing: them.
214 2.4Jc3 4Jc6
17..Efadl 2I..JHe8 22.°!Wa3 °1Wc7 23.°1Wa6 ge6 24.a4

Unclear is: l 7.iWd2 h6! Making sure that ~d7 25.aS ~b8 26.axb6 axb6 27.°1Wa4 ~c6
the knight will not be exchanged. 18.g4 c2Jf6 28 ..El:al El:ee8=
19.g5 (19.©hl 4Jh7! 00 ) 19 ... hxg5 20.Shg5
iWe6 21.8adl 8fd8 22.©hl 8d7 23.Ei;gl g6 B2) 6.0-0
24.b3 ©h7!~ White's king is no less exposed
than Black's. Once his rook reaches h8, Black
will have enough counterplay not to be worse.
a b c d e f g h
I7 .. Jfad8 I8J~f2 ~f6 I9.°1Wd3 h6! 20JUd2
6 ... 0-0
b6
White has a choice of minor piece to place
After 20 .. Jld7 a draw was agreed in
on g5: B2I) 7 ..igS or B22) 7.~gS.
Movsesian - Eljanov, Merida 2005. I will
give another possible continuation just for 7.ctJd5 d6 and now 8.c3 transposes to variation
completeness. Black has a rock-solid position Al 2, while 8.4Jxe7t iWxe7 transposes to the
in either case. note on 7.4Jxe7 on page 205.
2I.@g2
7.a3 opts for a typical anti-Marshall formation
21.a4 a5!? 22.©g2 gfe8 23.tJ2 4Jh7 24.h4
with a knight transfer to g3. I think I handled
ctJf8oo
the situation quite well in one of my own
games: 7 ... d6 8.h3 a6 9.4Je2 b5 IO.ia2 ieG
l l.4Jg3 h6 12.ixe6 fxe6 13.c3
Chapter 12 - 3.CtJB 215
13 ... Wd7 (13 ... c4!?N was more double-

edged) l 4.d4 cxd4 l 5.cxd4 exd4 l 6.4Jxd4
4Jxd4 17.Wxd4 gac8 18.id2 d5! 19.gael
gc4 20.Wd3 dxe4 2 l .Wxd7 4Jxd7 22.gxe4
gxe4 23.4Jxe4 4Jf6 24.ge 1 ~f7 25.~fl gcS
26.4Jxf6 ixf6 27Jkl The mass simplification
led to an ending where neither side had
winning chances, so the players agreed a draw
in Sverushkin - Korronias, Baile Herculane
2010.
Finally, a relatively recent example with 7.a4

continued: 7 ... d6 8.h3 ~h8!? White has
played too many preparatory moves, so Black
can think of ... f5. 9.4Jh2 To prevent falling
under an attack, White decides he will be the
one to push his f-pawn first:
9 ... ig5 10.a3 (10.4Jxg5 Wxg5 1 l.f4 exf4
12.Wd2t is also better for White) 10 ... b6?!
( 1O... ih6! l l .b4 ie6± was preferable,
although even then White maintains the upper
hand) l l.b4 ih6 12.c3 4Je7 13.bxcS bxc5
14.gb It This was better for White in Anand
- Leko, Dortmund 2004.
I0.a4
The point of 9 .. J~b8! is revealed after: 1O.a3
a b c d e f g h b5 1 l .ia2 a5! 12.a4 ( 12.d a4~ denies White
any expansion. 13.b4 axb3 14.ixb3 ie6 and
9 ... te6! 10.f4 exf4 I I.txf4 dS 12.exdS 4Jxd5
Black has no problems at all.) l 2 ... bxa4! 13.c3
l 3.4Jxd5 ixdS+ Black had no problems at all
:§'.xb2 14.Wxa4 4Je7!? l 5.Wa3 gbS 16.4Jxf6t
in Drozdowski - Moiseenko, Warsaw (blitz)
gxf6 l 7.4Jd2 f5 l 8.4Jc4 4Jg6~ With excellent
2013, and even stood slightly better.
counterplay on the kingside.
B2I) 7.~gS
I0 ... ~e6!
Now Black is ready for ... ig5, with an
This positional rry was once employed by
excellent game.
Anand. White wants to play on the light
squares, and raking the f6-knighr followed by
The immediate 10 ... igS allows l l.4Jxg5
4Jd5 facilitates that. However, Black has no
~xg5 12.f4! exf4 13.Wd2 ie6 14.Wxf4 Wxf4
problems if he knows what to do, as we shall
l 5.:§'.xf4 a6 16.4Jb6t, with slight endgame
see.
pressure for the first player.
7 ... d6 8.~xf6 ~xf6 9.CbdS

216 2.~c3 ~c6
White can now continue with either B2I 1) This position is business as usual, for example:
11.'We2 or B212) l 1.'Wd2.
12.~xgS
After l l .c3 Black should continue with his 12.gfd 1 ih6 l 3.c3 4Je7 14.ctJe3
original intention by playing 11 ... igS. White 14.4Jxe7t ®xe7 15.ixe6 ®xe6= is simpler,
has nothing to worry us, as the following but at the same time is also harmless for
correspondence games illustrate: 12.ithgS Black.
®xg5 13.4Je3 (13.aS ®d8! 14.®a4 4Je7
15.4Jxe7t ®xe7 16.l=~fel id7 17.®a3 ®g5 8 {:.~~.
/~ ~
?§'J t~.::-@:51:
'·~/ m /'. //:/~
l 8.d4 ih3 19 .ifl gfc8 was thoroughly 1 v~·1 ,~l?~I
balanced in Lucki - Gebur, corr. 2012) 6 ft/;
/,;,-,~::~
;&~ A %/
: . / .JL ,:,/////
?;;::
.JL/
~ J~
s R }~*R
~~
5~;<
4 /g/
. . ;,.&::({'~.%~.~··
ii% . A,".'.~."./.:;;:~.
1 •1R Rl?II Q %:?;"'. ~ ::~:::;: Q ~~~::'.
3 ~ ftjj 8 .Q}·~.r;r;
6 .
5~
R'l)fl.tR
t~ t~ii ~
.R 2
/;<;;::;;:, >,''/ < .,,;\'~// //,,.,.//'·/ :,,/{///// /,;
rat::f{/ '.ihUXJ1.::f;/ A /:;"N'.
0
@::2 § fd% o fc;SJ

~ r•~ r•~. &§';"
~m i~Mi~ :~
4 8R~R8R R 1
a b c d e f h
~ ~8~
g
3 ~. ;::,;:;
0 .... , ~;
~
2 ~. rft!J 8 r/1!1
r/1!1 ~
/'.,,,:,,; /,,,;/,,. /,.,.'/
14 ... ctJ g6 ! 15 .ixe6
After l 5.g3 ixe3 l 6.®xe3 gc8 17.ctJgS
1 ~~
/ ,/
~°fi~M~
~ ~ /, ./
ig4! l 8.f3?! id7 19.f4 exf4 20.gxf4, the
a b c d e f g h
cool 20 ... ®fG! gives Black the initiative by
l 3 ... h5!? 14.idS 4Je7 l 5.ixe6 fxe6 l 6.®b3 pointing at the weak f4-pawn.
gf6 17.g3 4Jg6 18.~hl h4 19.gael gbf8 Black 15 ... fxeG 16.d4?
had completely equalized, and perhaps even a 16.g3N ixe3 17.fxe3= would have
bit more, in Cuccumini - Veiga Rodriguez, maintained the status quo.
corr. 2013. l 6 ... c2Jf4 17.®fl cxd4 l 8.cxd4
B211) 11.'W e2 ~gS

Chapter 12 - 3 .Cu B 217
12 .. JWxgS 13JWe3! ~xe3 14.fxe3 ct:Jb4! B212) l l.~d2

15.ctJxb4 cxb4
We have reached an ending where White's
pressure comes to naught after a few accurate
moves by Black.
This strange move is a bit annoying as it

prevents the ... ig5 idea.
a b c d e f g h
ll ... ~g4!?N
16.~xe6 The principled reaction, fighting for the
Acquiescing to the inevitable draw. g5-square.
Instead, 16.a5 ixc4 17.dxc4 b5! 18.axbG axb6 12. ~ e3 ctJ d4!
l 9Jffdl ( l 9.ga4 b5= or l 9Jh6 h5=) 19 ... gfcS Forcing matters.
20.b3 b5 2 l .cxb5 gxb5 22.§:xdG gbc5 23J~a2
h5 24J~d2 gc3 25.i:f.2 g5 26.ge2 (26.~e2 13.ctJxd4 cxd4 14.~el ~gS
g4 27.ga4 gxc2 28Jhb4 ~g7=) 26 ... g8c6! Black has two bishops but White can
27.~el (27.h3 ~g7 28.:±el g4~) 27 ... g4! is create some weaknesses to attack, so the
completely equal, the fine point being 28.ci:dl position is approximately balanced. A logical
gd6t 29.~cl gdd3!=. continuation is:
16.b3 a5 17.'Zt] gbc8 18.~e2 gfe8= is not a

position to \vorry Black either, as White has no
breakthrough.
After 16.ixe6, a high-level correspondence

game concluded:
16 ... fxe6 17.c4 hxc3 18.bxc3 ~fd8 19.~a3

dS 20.exdS exdS 21.~bl ~d7 22.~ah3
~/2- 1/~ Gerola - \X'. Fischer, corr. 2012.
a b c d e f g h
218 2.ltk3 ctJ c6
15.f4! exf4 I6.ltJxf4 Wfe7! 17.'DdS 21. .. fS! 22.exfS ii.xdS 23.WfxeS il.xg2t
17.Wf2 We5 18.:i:fael id7! 19.ct:Jd5 ixa4 24.~xg2 dxeS=
20.h4! ih6 21.g4 b5 22.ia2 ie3 23.ct:Jxe3
dxe3 24.:i:he3 Wxb2 25.ixf7t ci>h8 26.Eff3 B22) 7.'DgS
7 ... h6 8.f4!
The point of White's play, ensuring the
17 ... Wf eS 18.Wf aS! opening of the f-file under good conditions.
18.c3 ie6!+
8.ct:Jh3?! d6 9.f4 ig4 10.Wel ct:Jd4!
Approximate equality results from 1O... ixh3
18 ... a6 19.Wf el ~h8! 20.aS! il.e6 21.~hl!
1 l .gxh3 exf4 12.~xf4 ct:Jh5 13.ie3 ig5=.
2 l .ct:Jb6!? if4! with the idea 22.ixe6 ixh2i"
11.Wf2?!
23.ci>hl ig3! 24Jff5 fxe6 25.:si'.xe5 ixel
Better is 11.Wg3 ctJxc2 (l 1...Wd7!?) 12.fxe5
26.:si'.xe6 §:fl i" 27.ci>h2 ig3i" 28.ci>xg3 :si'.xal+
dxe5 13.ct:Jf2 h5 14.:si'.bl ie6 15.ih6 ct:Je8
l 6.ixe6 fxe6+
The text happened in Naiditsch - San
Emeterio Cabanes, France 2009, and here
Black should have continued with:
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 12 - 3. Cil f3 219
11...lt'lhS!N 12.fxe5 10.lt'lxf4 lt'lxc4 l 1.dxc4 d6 l 2.b3 i'.tJg4

12.f5 ih4 13.~d2 ~xh3 14.gxh3 Wg5t+ 13.lt'lcdSN± ( l 3.Ct'lfd5 ig5± was also worse
leads to a bad ending for White, as the for Black in Nakamura - Arakhamia-Grant,
h5-knight will settle on f4. Gibraltar 2007.)
12 ... ih4 13.Wfd2 dxe5+
Black has a dominant position. 9 ... d5!?
This doesn't quite work, in view of:
8 ... exf4 10.lt'lxdS!N
8 ... hxg5?! 9.fxg5 lt'lg4 10.g6 d5 looks bad 10.exd5 lt'ld4 l l.lt'lxf4 id6 12.h3 (12.lt'le4
for Black after: l l.gxf7t ]=hf7 12.~xd5 lt'lf6 b5! 13.d bxc4 l 4.cxd4 lt'lxe4 15.dxe4 cxd4
l 3.ixf7t ~xf7 l 4.lt'ld5 ie6 l 5.lt'lxe7 Wxe7 l 6.~xd4 geSt! could even be a tad better for
l 6.ig5t White has serious pressure without Black.) 12 ... geS! l 3.a4! a6 14.a5 (14.id2
any material investments. b6 l 5.lt'lh5 4Jxh5 16.Wxh5 if5! 17.gxf5
g6 18.Wxh6 lt'lxf5 19.Wg5 ie5=) 14 ... Wc7
The final branching point of the chapter is l 5.id2 id7 16.lt'lh5 4Jxh5 l 7.Wxh5 ib5!
between B221) 9.~h3 and B222) 9.~f3. l 8.ixh6 gxh6 l 9.Wxh6 ixc4 20.WgSt ~fS
2 l .Wh6t ~g8= is just a draw.
Unsound is 9.lt'lxf7?! §xt7 1O.~xf7t ~xf7 1O... ixh3 1 l .gxh3!
1 l.ixf4 d6 12.~d5 ~gS+, when White has l l.lt'lxe7t?! Wxe7 12.gxh3 lt'le5 13.b3 g5+ is
no compensation for the material. better for Black as his kingside grip cannot
be shaken.
B221) 9.~h3 l l ... lt'lxd5
l l...g5!? l 2.h4 lt'le5 requires analysis, but I
would be rather scared to be Black here.
a b c d e f g h
An acceptable option now that Black has 12.ixd5!
12.exdS lt'lb4 13.ixf4 lt'lxd5=
taken on f4.
12 ... ctJb4 13.ib3!±
Putting the bishop on a secure square and
9 ... f3!?
preparing to take on f4. Other moves are not
This is my main recommendation, but there
are a couple of other options too: so convincing:
a) 13.c4 if6 14.:Sxf4 id4t 15.~hl lt'lxd5
16.exd5 ~d7+ is better for Black.
9 ... 'L:e5 looks a bit better for \\?hire after
220
b) 13.ic4 !d6! 14.!xf4 (14.c3 lilc6 l l .1'~g3 lilfg4! 12.lild5 Jih4 I3.°1Wf4 d6+
l 5.ixf4 !xf4 l 6J:hf4 lile5~ gives Black
excellent compensation in view of the clumsy
c4-bishop/d3-pawn set-up.) 14 ... !xf4
15.E&xf4 b5! l 6.ib3 (l 6.!xb5?? °1Wb8!-+)
16 ... a5! 17.a3 (17.a4 c4! 18.dxc4 °1Wg5t
19.E&g4 \West 20.~hl bxc4+) 17 ... a4=
Black does not have any problems.
After l 3.ib3! I couldn't find full equality:
13 ... g5
13 ...!f6 14.!xf4 !xb2 15.E&blt
l 4.a3!?
l 4.h4!?
14.°1Wh5 \Wb6 15.~hl ~h7 16.ixf7 °1Wf6
17.ib3 c4 I8.ixc4 lilxc2 19.E&bl E&ad8 00 a b c d e f g h
I 4 ... lilc6 l 5.h4 lile5 l 6.id5t 11. .. d6 I2.~f4 ~g4! I3.'\Wf2
White is for preference due to the powerful 13.°1We3 lilh5 14.lilfd5 ig5=
d5-bishop.
I3 ... ~xc4 I4.dxc4 ~hS! 15.~fdS fS!
I0.'\Wxf3 ~eS!?N I6.'\We3
Sveshnikov's 1O... lild4 should be answered by 16.e5 f4-+
11.°IWdl!N (Instead, l l.°1Wg3? d5!+ was almost
winning for Black in Somkin - Sveshnikov, 16.°IWel ih4 l 7.g3 if6+
Miass 2006.) A logical continuation is: l l...d6
12.lilf4 ig4 l 3.°1Wd2
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
13 ... ~h7! I 4.h3 !e6 l 5.°1Wf2 lild7 16.ie3
I6 ... ~f6! I7.~xf6t '\Wxf6 18.~dS '\Wh4
!xc4 (l 6 ...!f6 l 7.lilcd5:t) l 7.dxc4 !h4 l 8.g3
19.Wf el '\Wxel 20.E&xel
!f6 l 9.lilcd5 !e5 20.c3:t White holds a slight,
A balanced ending has been reached.
yet permanent, plus.
20 ... fxe4=
11.Wf e2
Both the text and 20 ... f4!?~ should be good
11.°IWd 1 lilxe4!+
enough.
Chapter 12 - 3.ct'lf3 221
B222) 9.ctJf3
a b c d e f g h
11...ctJb4!?
a b c d e f g h Sveshnikov's calm way of playing the
This is the more prudent retreat. position appears the best choice under these
circumstances. Black disputes control of d5
9 ... d6 I0.~xf4 without allowing his opponent attacking
White has recovered his pawn and achieved chances.
his aim of opening the f..file, but Black has 1 l...ixd5 leads to positions where White's
a harmonious position and catches up on control over f5 and sacrificial possibilities on
development with his next move: h6 make the position more pleasant for him.
There have been many games here, with mixed
I0 ... ~e6 results, bur I'd rather take White if given the
Now ... d5 is threatened, so White must act. option.
11.ctJdS! I2.ctJxb4
The only way. 12.CLixe7t Wxe7
This is not a problem for Black as he is
11. Wd2 ?! allows a brilliant tactic: assured of exchanging the c4-bishop, after
which he should have fair chances.
13.ixe6
8 i. 13.ib3 ixb3 14.axb3 d5 l 5.e5 CLid7 16.c3
CLic6 17.d4 cxd4 18.cxd4 We6=
13 ... fxe6
5
4
3
a b c d e f g h
11...CLlxe4! 12.~xe4 dS= Black recovers his
piece with the better game.
a b c d e f g h
222
14.e5 13 ... fxe6 14.'W'e2 El:c8 15.@hl

In case of l 4.c3!? ct'lc6 l 5.e5 ct'ld5! l 6.exd6, A good precaution.
the accurate sequel is: 16 ... We8! (16 ... Wd7
l 7.ct'le5 Wxd6 l 8.ct'lc4 Wd7 l 9.ig3 Ei'.xfl t l 5.ct'ld4?! d5! l 6.e5 (l 6.exd5 ic5+) l 6 ... ic5
20.Wxfl ms 21.We2 b5 22.ct'ld6 b4 23.Wd2 17.ie3 Wb6 l 8.c3 ct'ld7 is at least equal for
bxc3 24.bxc3 ct'lce7 25.ct'le4 Wc6 26.c4!± Black.
is not intolerable, but White's position is
7-r~rC~Y~ .i ~ ~~.~~
the more pleasant.) l 7.id2 (l 7.ig3!? ct'le3
18.'1Wb3 ct'la5 19.Wa3 ct'lxfl 20.Ei'.xfl b6 00 8 ~/
leads to a fight where anything can happen,
but I believe White's compensation for the
exchange is objectively only sufficient for
equality.) 17 ... °tWd7 18.'tM;'e2 Wxd6 19.Ei'.ael
6
51~~
W' d
d
r•~·~··
~/;
R R. R
~~&~~
r•~ ~· ~
~~
Black equalizes after either l 9 ... gf6= or

l 9 ... e5!? 20.We4 Ei'.ad8! 2 l .ct'lxe5 Ei'.fe8
4 ti B8~ B
22.Ei'.f5 Ei'.d7 23.d4 Ei'.de7=. 3B.B8BctJB
14 ... ct'lfd5 l 5.exd6 Wd7 16.id2 Wxd6 l 7.a3 2 8f~8BiVB8~
~~ B BMB@
17 .ixb4 cxb4! 00
l 7 ... ct'lc6 l 8.We2 Ei'.f6 l 9.We4 Ei'.af8 20.Ei'.ael
This was Zubarev - Sveshnikov, Cappelle la a b c d e f g h
Grande 2009, when best is: 15 ... eS!?N
20 ... e5!= A dynamic move, seeking immediate
This improvement was played in the counterplay in the centre.
subsequent game Cerrato Torrijos - Moreno
Ruiz, Madrid 2012. Black has full equality, 15 ... Wc7 16.ct'ld4 Wd7 17.ig3 (17.e5 dxe5
and in fact went on to win both games. 18.ixe5 Wd5=) was played in T. Kosintseva -
Manakova, Moscow 2009, and now:
12 ... cxb4
An interesting imbalance in the pawn
structure has arisen: Black has a pawn less in
the centre, but that is compensated by the
prospect of pressure along the c-file.
13.~xe6
l 3.ib3 d5 I 4.e5 ct'ld7 l 5.d4 (l 5.Wd2
allows l 5 ... a5! 16.c3 a4 17.ic2 a3!t, with
a strong queenside initiative for Black)
15 ... ct'lb6 16.c3 (16.Wel ct'lc4 17.Wg3 ~hS+)
16 ... bxc3 17.bxc3 if5 18.ic2 Wd7 19.ixf5 a b c d e f g h
Wxf5 20.ct'ld2 Wd7 21 J~f3 Ei'.ac8 22.Ei'.g3 17 ... idS!?N 18.e5 ib6 19.exf6 ixd4 20.fxg7
Ei'.c6? This is another interesting position ixg7 21Jhf8t Ei'.xfS 22.Ei'.el e5 23.h3 a5 is
with chances for both sides. If 23.Wh5 then not as bad as it seems. The play is probably
23 ... Ei'.g6! is a fine defensive point. balanced.
Chapter 12 - 3.lt'lf3 223
I6.~e3 'Wc7! 17.~acl dS! I9 ... ~d6 20.~g3 ~f4!

This is the point: Black wants to liquidate This direct move should equalize.
White's strong centre.
2I.'We4
After 2 l .ixf4 exf4! Black has repaired his
pawn structure and can hardly be worse, for
example: 22.We6t 1;>h8 23.gce 1 gce8! 24.Wg6
ge3! 25.gxe3 fxe3 26.d4 gf6 27.We4 (27.Wd3
\Wf7! with the idea 28.b3?! g5! 29.h3 h5!t)
27 ... Wc4! 28.gel ge6 29.Wf5 gf6 30.We4=
I9.~f2
This looks logical to me, directing the
bishop's fire against the e5-pawn.
19.igl id6 20.We4 ctJf6 21.\WfS gce8

22.4Jh4 e4 23.Wg6 (23.c3 bxc3 24Jhc3 Wf7
25.4Jg6 4Jd5! 26.dxe4 4Jxc3 27.0Jxf8 Wxf5 22JHel 'Wxe4 23.~xe4 ~fl~
28.exfS ixf8 29.bxd b6~) 23 .. .i~:J4 24Jke 1 Black even has some slight chances to press,
e3 25.0Jf5 0Jd5+± looks okay for Black. due to the weakness of c2.
l 9.id2 Conclusion
This does not trouble Black either.
l 9 ... id6 20.0Jh4 After l .e4 c5 2.0Jc3 0Jc6 3.0Jf3, the reply 3 ... e5
20.d4 '.£fe8! 2 l .dxe5 (2 l .4Jxe5 ixe5 is a perfectly acceptable way of playing, fully
22.dxe5 ~xe5 23.~d3 :SedS 24.~g6 :fk6 equalizing the chances. The resulting positions
25.~t7t ~h7 26.i~xb7 :l;g6t) 2 l ... ixe5 may not be to everyone's liking, bur practice
22.~ d3 VI1 c6 23.0Jxe5 '.£xe5=, intending has shown that Black will defuse the slight
... a5, is balanced. positional pressure by alternating tactics,
20 ... ~d7 2 l.~e4 ~f6 22.~f3 according to circumstance. These may involve
22.~g6 ~f7!= exchanging the minor pieces that can invade
22 ... 2'.t7 the d5-square, or ignoring the d5-square and
There is not reallv much White can do. The playing for ... f5, especially in those cases where
game is approximately even. the f6-knight has already been traded for a
23.0Jf5 3cf8= white knight on d5.
a b c d e f g h
Variation Index
1.e4 cS 2.4Jc3 4Jc6 3.4Jf3 eS 4.ic4 ie7! S.d3 4Jf6 6.4Jg5 0-0 7.f4
7 ... dS!?
A) 8.4Jxd5 4Jxd5 9.ixdS exf4 226
Al) I0.h4!? 226
A2) I0.4Jxf7 227
A3) I0.4Jf3 228
B) 8.exdS ig4! 9JWd2 4Jd4 230
Bl) 10.0-0 exf4 230
Bll) 11.~xf4 231
B12) I I.1Wxf4! 232
B121) 1 I. .. id6!? 232
B122) 1 l. .. 4Jxc2!N 235
B2) 10.fxeS 4Jd7 11.0-0 4Jxe5 12.ib3!? bS!N 237
B21) 13.h3 238
B22) 13.1We3 id6! 14.h3! ihS 240
B221) 15.4Jge4!? 241
B222) 15.4Jce4 243
B3) I0.h3 243
Al) after 15.'.1:ff3 B2) after l 2.ib3!? B3) after 19 _ge 1
15 .. Jfac8!!N 12 ... bS!N 19...~b8!N+

Chapter 13 - 6.Ct'igS 225
l.e4 cS 2.CLlc3 ctJc6 3.ctJf3 eS 4.i,c4 i,e7! Black may use the fact that he has kept his
S.d3 cuf6 6.cugS d-pawn on d7 by striking at the centre:
TI1is knight sally is designed to facilitate the 7 ... dS!?
advance f2-f4. A move invented and popularized by Evgeny
Sveshnikov. The following lines demonstrate
6 ... 0-0 7.f4 that the move is sound, and gives the second
7.h4?! has been tried by the Slovak GM player good chances to play for a win in a
Martin Mrva, but it is unclear to me what he complicated position.
had in mind after 7 ... 4Ja5!N. I don't see how
White can get on with the attack in the absence White has a choice of capture: A) 8.ctJxdS or
of the c4-bishop. An attempt to maintain it by B) 8.exdS.
8.id5 (8.4Jd5 4Jxc4 9.dxc4 d6 looks rather
pointless for White) 8 ... d6 9.a3 h6 1O.ia2 8.ixdS
runs into: This is best met by:
8 ... 4Jxd5!N
I also looked at 8 ... exf4, but I prefer White's
position after: 9.ixc6 bxc6 10.ixf4 4Jd5!
11.~hS! (1 l.exd5!? ixg5 12.ixgS ~xg5
13.0-0 cxd5 14.~f3 ie6= is not as good,
because the black queen occupies an active
position on g5.) 11 ... h6 12.exdS hxg5
l 3.ig3!!N (13.id2 cxd5+ was slightly
better for Black in Moingt - Calistri, Bastia
2004.) 13 ... if6 14.0-0! cxdS 15.2'.ael±
The brilliant point is 15 ... ie6 16.ieS! ie7
a b c d e f g h
17.h4!! gxh4 l 8.2'.f4 ig5 19.ic7! ~xc7
1O... ig4! l 1.f3 id7 White has further 20.~xgS-t with powerful attacking chances.
weakened himself without gaining anything 9.'Llxd5 exf4 10.h4! h6 11.ixf4!?
substantial in return. 11.~hS? 4Jb4!+ or l l.4Jf3 ig4+.
226 2. LtJ c3 ltJ c6
At this point White has played: Al) I0.h4!?,

A2) I0.CD:xf7 and A3) I0.CDf3.
Al) I0.h4!?
l I ... id6!
Black seems at least equal to me despite his
pawn deficit.
12 .t2i f3 ieG
12 ... c2Jb4!? 13.ixd6 Wxd6 14.c2Jxb4 Wg3t
15.iiifl cxb4 00 is also interesting.
13.c4 ixf4 14.c2Jxf4 ge8!? 15.0-0 ig4~
Black has strong counterplay, bur White White's least popular response. I guess the
should be able to hold by returning the extra reason 1s:
pawn somehow.
10 ... ~xgS!
A) 8.CDxdS Less impressive is:
1O... h6?! I l.ixf4!
l l.ctJxf7 gxf7 12.ixf4 if6+ is more than
okay for Black.
l 1.Wh5 ctJe5! l2.ctJf3 ctJg4 13.ixf4 c2Jf6
14.We5 ge8 Preparing to embarrass White
by dropping the bishop back to f8. 15.0-0-0
if8 16.Wc7 ctJxd5 17.Wxd8 gxd8 18.exd5
gxd5+ Black is slightly better, as he has
regained his pawn and has the two bishops.
l l ... c2Jd4
Black's posmon is unenviable after
11 ... hxg5? 12.hxg5 g6 13.Wf3!+-.
l 2.c3! ctJe6 l 3.g3! lt:Jxf4 l 4.gxf4±
a b c d e f g h White emerges a pawn up with the better
This looks like the most natural way of position.
taking on d5, keeping the c4-bishop alive.
11.hxgS ~xg5 12.0-0 ~g4 13.~xf4!
8 .. .CDxdS 9.~xd5 exf4 Black gets excellent counterplay after
The hanging state of the g5-knight and the 13.We 1!? lt:Jd4 14.ixf4 Wh5 15.gf2 gad8
fact that White has not yet castled suffice to 16.ixb7 mes 17.We3 ge6 18.b3 (18.c3
give Black at least equal play. lt:Je2t 19.gxe2 ~xe2 20.d4 gg6 21.e5 cxd4
Chapter 13 - 6.ctJg5 227
22.cxd4 :§;b6 23.ie4 :§;xb2+) 18 ... 4Je2t l 6.:§;g3 ~h8 I ?.:§;cl l'tJd4 18.~h2 b6
l 9.:§;xe2 ixe2 00 as the white king's cover is l 9.ie7 :§;fe8 20.id6~ is complicated, but
flimsy. both 20 ... f6 and 20 .. .f5 should suffice for
Black.
16 .. Jk7!
The main defensive point, harmoniously
defending t7.
17.El:g3 ltJd4! 18.El:f2!?

l 8.~h2 ctJe6! l 9.if6 ixd3! 20.ixg7! 4Jxg7
21.:§;xd3 2;e7= produces a balanced ending.
18 ... .ia4 19 ..if6 ltJe6! 20.b3

20.m4?! id 1! 21.ieS ad7 22.:§;f6 ae8
23.ah6 ie2+ is even a bit better for Black.
24.:§;h4? runs into 24 ... hS!+, and the bishop
will be anchored on g4.
20 ... .ic6 2 l .~c2! El:d7 22.El:xcS g6! 23 ..ixc6

ltJxcS 24 ..ixd7 ltJxd7 25 ..ib2
25.id4 f6!=
25 ... El:cS=
This position is drawn, as White will have
to play 2;f3-f2 to oppose ... :§;c2. After the
exchange of rooks Black simply has .. .f5,
followed by bringing his king to e6.
a b c d e f g h
15 .. J:facS!!N
Richard Palliser mentions this as being
interesting, but I believe it is Black's only
move. We reach an ending where White's
compensation is enough for the missing pawn,
but nothing more than that. The following
lines show the main ideas for both sides:
16J~afl a b c d e f g h
I have never believed that this sacrifice of I2.~xf4 ~e7! 13.~xf7t ~xf7 14.~gS
two pieces for a rook can pose any serious 14.id6 ~g6 15.~xcS b6 16.ia3 ig4~
problems to Black. gives Black massive compensation for his slight
material deficit.
1o... ~xf7 11.0-0
Also possible is: 11.~hS!? ~f8 l 2.~xf7t 14 ... ~d4t 15.@hl
~xf7 13.ixf7t ciixf7 14.ixf4 if6 15.Effl
ciig8 l 6.c3 ie6 00
8Am•••
7., m •••,
6 ~4}~j_~
~ ~ ~~
sm~a'mrt~m ~,,,~ w%«
3.
4
2
1
/
fj ¥!j •
~m?'. ;:~/
,Y,
~ ~ ~
f~[j- •
~
%~,~L;:
/,
• fj ¥!j
,/ ;%;%
a b c d e f g h
As played in Paschall - Nilssen, Budapest

2004. White has no advantage, as Black's two
bishops and control of d4 make it difficult for
White to utilize his central pawn preponderance.
7.r.//,~r.r
sAR.i.B RfflR
/,nf• /,R
6 /, 'g/,
16.c3 ~es 17.~e3 ~d6! 18.~f4 ~fga,
Black has kept the two bishops without
sacrificing his coordination. This position
awaits practical tests, but I believe that White
sR -~R R has no advantage.
4 R R8• R
3R R8R R
28~8R R8~
1~m ~v~~m
;::""'./,
a b
~,~
c d
~
e f
~'0,;
g h
11...~f6!?
l l...~e8 12.ixf4 ciih8 13.ixf7 ~xf7
14.igS ~e8 15.ixe7 ~xe7 16.c3 ie6= was
balanced in Sutovsky - Kharlov, Moscow
2005, but I prefer to keep the bishop pair if
possible.
a b c d e f g h
I consider this retreat to give White

~
A~/..t~
s ~~·-
.II)•••
approximate equality. ;:/ ,//, /,,,Y, •
I0 ... ~h4t 11.@fl

7rtam wlawla
6
The position resembles a King's Gambit,
which I think is already an achievement for swl wiilR w1
Black. 4 wlls~.•
3R RLswl~wl
•°ii•~•:
1I ... ~f6
Sveshnikov's choice.
~ ~b~
2ls~ls- ~ /,,,,,/, /,,,,,/,
l l .. .C:21e7!?N is another interesting possibility,

bur I see no reason to deviate from the text
~~a b c d e f g h
move. I2 ... ~xb2
12 ... gS!?N is an interesting possibility, bur I
I2.~xf4 think White is okay after l 3.ie3 g4 l 4.'lld2
After 12.ixcG bxc6 13.eS (l 3.ixf4 ixb2 ixb2 15.Ei'.bl ~f6t 16.~el, despite the
14Ji'.bl ic3 15Ji'.b3 ifG 16.c;£)f2 Ei'.e8+ is a menacing look of Black's game.
pleasant position for Black) l 3 ... ie7 l 4.ixf4
ie6~ Black has tremendous compensation, 13.~bl ~f6 14.~d2 ~e6 I5.c4
with annoying moves like ... c4 and ... f6 already Also possible is 15.ixeG fxe6 16.Ei'.xb7, but
on the cards according to Richard Palliser in after l 6 ... c4!?~ Black's chances are clearly not
his ChessBase comments. I consider White's inferior. Instead, Palliser gives 16 ... eS 17 .ie3
task unenviable, with a sample line being: ~ c8~ with compensation.
i.
~ ~ ~~•~
8
s A~.-~
iit
·'l)·j_·.
;:,,,,,; /,,,,Y, •
7
6 7wliwl wliwli
smwlLswlls~.
5
6
4
3
wlilwl.
4
8 13
·~•J2,•j•??I~
~~-~.,wi
2
i /M/ 3
a b c d e f g h
l 5.c;£)f2! gS!? l 6.ie3 fS! l 7.g3 g4 l 8.'lld2 igS

19.ixcS ~dS! 20.ixfS Ehf8 21.:'sm ~d4t a b c d e f g h
22.~e 1 ~xb2t The computer says this is
I5 ... ~d7 I6.h3 ~ae8 17.g4 ~xdS 18.cxdS
equal, bur I'd rather not be in White's shoes
ctJd4 I9.ctJxd4 ~xd4 20.@g2 hS 21.~g3 bS
here.
22.~f4 b4+!
Black was in good shape in Gruskovnjak -
Sveshnikov, Celje 2004, and he actually went
on to win.
B) 8.exdS We will examine three continuations for

White: Bl) 10.0-0, B2) 10.fxeS and
B3) 10.h3.
Bl) 10.0-0 exf4
By far and away the critical capture.
8 ...~g4!
Developing with tempo and forcing a a b c d e f g h
disharmony in the white camp looks best. This position was excellently analysed by
Baramidze in his notes to Negi - Krasenkow
9.'Wd2 'Lld4 in the Chess Evolution series.
White can play Bl 1) l 1.El:xf4, but the critical

move is of course B12) l 1.'Wxf4!.
I also looked at l l.4Jge4?, which should be

bad in view of: l l...f3! l 2.~f4 4Jxe4 l 3.~xg4
(13.dxe4 fxg2 14.mxg2 ~d7! 15.~g3 gae8
l 6.e5 ih5 17.id3 b5 18.d6 Jid8i looks
really scary for White, as his king is exposed
and his central pawn duo is likely to crumble
any moment.)
a b c d e f g h
Black has given up a pawn and is about to lose
a second one, but his big lead in development
and powerful centralization offer him good
compensation. One should not forget that the
c4-bishop is blocked by its own pawn on d5,
making it a spectator for the time being.
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 13 - 6.CtJgS 231
L3. .. lllf6! l 4.®h3 lllxc2 l 5J~b 1 llld4 16.gxf.3

a6 l 7.a4 Ei'.b8+ White's position is riddled with
weaknesses and ... b5 is quite hard to cope with.
Another alternative is l l .h3, but I think

it merely drives the black bishop to a better
position. After I I...1i,h5 l 2.~xf4 b5! l 3.lllxb5
( LL~b3 b4+) l 3 ... llle2t 14:~h 1 lllxd5!
15.gf2 lllxc1 16.llle4 Cllxd3!+ Black has
equalized, and perhaps a bit more than that.
a b c d e f g h
Bll) 1 I.gxf4 l 3 ... hxg5!
l 3 ... ih5!? l 4.lllge4 lllxe4 l 5.dxe4!
8 i. (15.lllxe4? b5! 16.ib3 llle2t 1Hth 1 f5!
18.Cllxd6 ®xd6-+ is a line displaying a
typical attacking idea for Black. The plight
of the b3-bishop is particularly noticeable
here.) l 5 ... ®h4 16.g4 ig6 l 7.®g2 00 Black
should be fine here as well.
4 14.hxg4 lllxg4 15.®xg5 ®xg5 16.ixgS lllxc2
17.Ei'.acl Clld4+
3
Black emerges with the better pawn structure
2 and a useful initiative on the dark squares.
12.®f2 is a move designed to harmonize the

a b c d e f g h white position at the cost of an exchange:
Black has a choice of good replies, but the 12 ... id7!? (12 ... 1i,xf4 l 3.ixf4 b5 14.lllxbS
best one seems to be: lllxb5 15.ixbS lllxd5 l 6.Ji,d2 Cllf6 l 7.ic4
h6 18.lllf.3 ixf.3 00 leads to unclear play) l 3.a4
1I...!d6! lllg4 l 4J:hg4 ixg4 15.lllge4 ie5
White in turn has several possibilities at his
disposal. 8 .I
7 ;.l" i
12,gf2 6
A common-sense retreat, protecting both e2
5
and c2.
4 b
12.§Jl ?! h6 l 3.h3 3
I3.ctJge4? ~xe4 14.dxe4 (14.~xe4? allows 2
14 ... ixh2t 15.~xh2~h4t 16.~gl ~e2++,
and W'hite has to give up his queen for not
a b c d e f g h
much.) 14 ... ~'h4 l 5.g3 ~h5--? Black has a
strong attacking position. l 6.jJ4 (16.lllxc5? lllxc2!-+) l 6 ... ixf4
1n~ixf4 ih5x The outcome is a double-edged
232
position, with mutual chances, that requires I5 ... .ig6a;

practical tests. With pressure on e4 and a bind on the
dark squares, Black has at least enough
compensation for the pawn.
B12) 1 I.W/xf4!
Eyeing the d6-square and preparing to

untangle by 4Jce4.
Sveshnikov has tried B121) 1I.. ..id6!?, so we

will take a look. However, B122) 11...~xc2!N
is the stronger reply.
B121) 1 I.. ..id6!? I2.W/f2 W/b8!
12 ... bS was rather suspect in Heberla -

Chanoine, Montpellier 2007.
I3.h3 .ihS I4.~ge4 ~xe4!

Forcing a structural weakness in the enemy
camp.
I5.dxe4
White is obliged to take back with the pawn.
After l 5.4Jxe4?! b5 Black has a sizeable

advantage.
I3.h3!?
White seems to maintain the extra pawn.
Although Black has certain compensation, it is
hard to say whether it is fully sufficient.
13.iJ4 ~xf4 14.Wxf4 b5

This has been tried in several games, with the
conclusion being that Black can equalize the
chances.
15.Wxb8
15 ..ib3!?N Wxf4 16.gxf4 b4 17.gxd4! cxd4
18.Cllb5!? h6 19.4Je4 4Jxe4 20.dxe4 gae8 I4.1Wd2 ~hSN

requires examination here, but Black is Practically the only move.
probably okay. A possible variation is: 21.h3
fe2 22.4Jd6 ge5 23.~f2 ia6 24.~f3 gd8 As Baramidze has correctly pointed out,
25.ctJf5 (25.~f4 gg5!+!) 25 ... d3+! 14 ... if5 l 5.4Jge4 4Jxe4 16.4Jxe4 b5 l 7.4Jxg3
15 .. ,gaxb8 l 6.ib3 c4! 17 .dxc4 ~xg3 l 8.ixb5 4Jxb5 19.2'.xfS 4Jd4 20.2'.fl
17.gf4!? cxb3 18.gxd4 bxc2 19.gcl b4 Ei'.ae8 21.~f2 4Je2t 22.~h 1 Vf1e5 23.if4 4Jxf4
20.4Jce4 should be approximately balanced 24.~xf4 leads to a technically won position for
according to Palliser. White.
17 ... bxc4+!
Black has broken into White's vulnerable
queenside.
8 /E
7 ti:
6
5
4
a b c d e f g h
15.a4!
18.ixc4?!
Palliser fails to analyse this move, but it is
Palliser rightly suggests 18.1ia4!:N gxb2
the only one to cause Black real problems as it
19 ,gab 1= as a better choice for White.
stifles his ... b5 counterplay.
l 8 ... 4Jxc2 l 9Jhcl
19.gabl didn't fare any better after 19 ... 4Je3
The English opening connoisseur only looked
20Jff4 h6 2 l .4Jh3 if5 22.2'.e 1 4Jxc4
at l 5.Ei'.xf6!?, which is merely unclear after:
23.Ei'.xf5 Ei'.xb2 24.Eff2 gc8+ in Frolyanov -
l 5 ... gxf6 l 6.4Jxh7! (l 6.4Jge4?! ie5 l 7.d6
Fedorov, Samara 2012.
~h8 l 8.~f2 f5 l 9.if4 ctJf3t! 20.gxf3 ixf4
l 9 ... 4Je3 20.b3!?
21.~h4 gg8t 22.~fl fxe4 23.~xf4 exd3
20.gf4 gxb2+
24.ixd3 ~f8 can only be better for Black)
20 ... ctJxfl 21.gxfl
White had some compensation for the
exchange in Srebrnic - Sveshnikov, Bled
2008, but it is questionable whether it would
be enough for the draw after the correct:
21 ... gbd8!N~
13 ... ~g3
Of course Black has to play this move, so as
to cause White some discomfort.
a b c d e f g h
234
16 ... WeS! 17.C2ie4 ctJe2t 18.~hl if4 vacating h5 for the knight so as to keep
19.ctJhxf6t ~h8 20.d4!? cxd4 21.Wel lLlg3t harassing the white king.
22.c;i?gl ctJxe4 23.'\Wxe4 Wxe4 24.ctJxe4 ixcl
25.axcl 00 Both sides have their strengths and 17. 'tJ ce4! 'tJ hS! 18. 'tJ f3 ctJxf3!?
weaknesses in the resulting ending. This looks like the best chance, at least in the
practical sense.
Another move is 15.ctJge4, but after: 15 ... ctJxe4 The engines prefer 18 ... '\W c7, but I think
16.dxe4 (16.ctJxe4 b5 17.ib3 ctJe2t 18.c;i?hl they tend to underestimate the danger:
c4 19.dxc4 ae8 20.ctJc3 Wb6! leads to a mess
as ... JJ4 is threatened. If 21. ctJ xe2 then the
accurate 21.. .ixe2!+± forks the fl-rook and the
c4-pawn.) 16 ... bS+:± Black pushes his opponent
6
further back, gaining excellent counterplay for
5
the pawn.
4
15 .. JWeS! 3
This centralization is the only way I could 2 xf; A if{j
;(//,/ LJ /'//)
find to make White's life difficult. ~R( }~··. R :dt. r-0,
f@ ~ §i~~;'&
After 15 ... ae8? there comes: l 6.t2lce4! lLlxe4
a b c d e f g h
17.dxe4! h6 18.d6! af8 l 9.c3 Wxd6 20.cxd4
hxg5 21.idS!+- Black is objectively lost, l 9.ctJxd4 cxd4 20.IWgS! ~h8 21.d6! ixd6
although White still has to show some good 22.ctJxd6 Wxd6 23.if4 ctJxf4 24.'\Wxf4t The
technique to cash in the point. smoke has cleared and Black has regained
his pavvn. Still, White looks better in view
16.@hl! of the more active bishop and his adversary's
A good reply, getting the king away from inferior pawn structure. Even if the position is
nasty knight checks on e2. defendable, it is clearly nor pleasant for Black
in human chess.
19Jhf3 ~ae8 20.\WgS!

White should seek refuge in an ending, as all
middlegames are dangerous for his king.
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 13 - 6.lt:igS 235
20 ... ~xgS 21..iixg5 .iixe4 22.dxe4 ~xe4!/= The obvious l 4.dxe6?! is weaker in view of
The ending remains complicated, but White 14 ... fxe6 15.tWeS gxflt 16.~xfl 'Llxal 17.b4
is probably slightly for choice in view of the 'Llc2+. Black's modest material advantage gives
bishop pair. For the moment I haven't been him the better chances.
able to discover anything better for Black in
this line, so I would rather advise the reader to 14.tWeS is met strongly by: 14 ... bS! 15.ih6!
adopt Baramidze's l l .. .Cthc2!N. gxh6 16.dxe6 bxc4 17.exf7t gxf7 18.gxf7 ~xf7
B122) l l...Cthc2!N
a b c d e f g h
19.ml t ~g8 20.tWe6t ~h8 21.tWeSt= and
White must take the draw by perpetual.
Another line given by Baramidze is 14.tWg3

'Lld4 l 5.'Llc3 ifS l 6.ie3 gc8=, when I
This strong move, deeply analysed by
consider the chances to be approximately even.
Baramidze in Chess Euo!ution, completely
equalizes the chances.
14 .. .Cllxal 15.dxe6 ~d4t 16.@hl fxe6
Black is an exchange up, but White has
1VtJce4!
good pieces and the trapped al-knight is in
This was supposed to be the point after
danger of being captured. Black's counterplay
l l ... 4hc2, creating the threat of d5-d6, but
is associated with guerrilla tactics involving the
Baramidze's brilliant analysis completely
advance ... b5.
neutralizes White's initiative.
12 .. .Cthe4 13.Cllxe4 .iie6!

Fantastic! Black exploits the fact that an
opening of the f-file would highlight the
insecure state of White's queen and rook along
it. The remainder of this analysis is largely
based on Baramidze's notes in Chess Evolution.
14.~d2!?
This looks logical, trying to keep the position
as closed as possible. White's main problem is
the temporary weakness of his back rank.
a b c d e f g h
236 2. t2l c3 t2l c6
17.gdl
It is clear that White should keep the rooks
as his first rank is weak.
Baramidze also gives 17.ge 1 b5! 18.ixbS

(l 8.ixe6t ci>h8+) l 8 ... ~b4 l 9.t2lc3 ~h4,
when the threat of ... id6 keeps White
occupied:
20 ... h6 21.ctJxe6
a b c d e f g h 21.ctJf3 b5 22.~e5 ~e8 23.ixbS ~xb5
24.ctJg6t ~h7 25.ctJxfSt !hf8 26Jhal=
20.g3 ~h3 21.~g2 ~xg2t 22.ci>xg2 t2lc2
23Jhe6 if6 24.ic4 ci>h8 00 It seems that
21..JUe8 22.'\We4 ctJc2 23.'\Wg6
neither side is worse here, but it is easier to lose
By threatening the lethal 'llg5, White forces
this position with White in a practical game.
his opponent to give back the exchange.
17... '\Wd7 18.'\We2 @h8 19.~gS!
I would like to add at this point that 19 .d4?!
cxd4 20.'llg5 ixg5 21.ixgS fails to: 2 l ... gf5!
22.ih4
23 .. J~fS should also hold, but it looks much

less clean to the human eye.
Chapter 13 - 6Jllg5 237
Thus, 10.0-0 is not a problem if Black is all his minor pieces work at maximum
aware of the above lines, which serve once more capacity, while White's position, in contrast,
to demonstrate the importance of preparation is a monument of disharmony.
in modern chess. 14.~ce2
After l 4.~f2 f4 l 5.CLlge4 f3! 16.Cthd6
B2) 10.fxeS ctJd7 11.0-0 'DxeS ~xd6---* Black has a winning attack.
14.~bS f4 15.~e4 !ZJxbS 16.ixbS f3 l 7.g3
ih3+ is terrible for White too.
a b c d e f g h
14 ... ixe2!
Producing another important position: one
14 .. .f4!? l 5.~xf4 ~ef3t 16.gxf.3 ixf4+ was
that I would love to play in a tournament
also good for Black in Chatterjee - Thakurta,
game, as it is obvious rhar White has burned
Kolkara 2004.
his bridges for the sake of a mere pawn. Black's
l 5.~xe2 ~h4 l 6.~f4N
great piece activity and 3-2 pawn majority
16.h3? was played in Ramirez - Gregoire,
on the kingside give him interesting attacking
Cappelle la Grande 2004, and here the
chances, and fully compensate for the material
quickest way to finish the game for Black
deficit.
was: 16 ... !ZJef.3t!N 17.fi'.xf.3 ~xf3t 18.gxf3
2f6-+
12.ib3!?
16 .. Jhe8
Retreating the bishop is the most critical
The threat of ... !ZJef3t already rears its ugly
possibility according to mv research.
head.
Surprisingly, ir has been played in only one
17.~f2! ~xf2t l 8.2xf2 !ZJg4 19.fi'.fl lZJxc2
relatively obscure correspondence game so far.
20.2b 1 !ZJd4+
12.~ge4?! Black has regained his pawn and obtained a
much better ending due to White's numerous
This allows Black to start attacking wirh
,veaknesses. The push ... b5 is an immediate
tempo and leads to a complete cramping of
the white pieces. threat, and I can see nothing better than:
12 .. .f5! 13.~g3 21.h3
After 2 l .a4? disaster comes from another
l 3.!zJg5 f4!----* is obvioush' nor a big
improvement for \\?hire. pawn push: 21...gS! 22.!ZJe6 !ZJe2t 23.ciih 1
ixh2!-+
13 ... id6
Black has achieved a dream position where 21...bS 22.~b3 !ZJe3 23.ixe3 2xe3 24.!ZJe6
238 2.ltk3 t2i c6
With just a few chances of survival for 12 ... hS!N

White. Gaining space and making the bishop's life
difficult is tempting and strong.
12.h3?!
Better than 12.ltige4?!, but still rather 12 ... ®b6 13.<j;ihl f6 was played in Kevicky
A. ~~ffl-
unfortunate in view of: - Boecher, corr. 2004, and is perhaps worth
s
1 ·i· ~,.,
:.-.,~'!J!j•.a•-
~
analysing, but I prefer my move.
Now B21) 13.h3 is slightly less accurate than

B22) 13.~e3.
B21) 13.h3 ~hS

4 -~~
3~
~ ~b~_
~------- _ wJ3: -~-b
wJ3:
The bishop is in fact angling to get to g6 in
2b~b~ . b . some lines, to contest the e4-square. White
l ~~
~ j ~;
it,,~ ~~w
~ LJ
then has the following choice:
a b c d e f g h
14.~e3
12 ... h6!! 13.CDxf7? This is most thematic.
Better is 13. CD ge4 ! ixh3 ! 14. ® f4 CD xc4
l 5.dxc4 f5! I 6.gxh3 fxe4+!, although even in 14.®f4? id6t allows Black to solidify his
that case Black enjoys tremendous attacking central position with gain of time. After
chances in return for the pawn. l 5.®f2 a5! White is in trouble.
13 ... CDxf7! l 4.hxg4 id6! l 5.g3
l 5.CDe4?? ®h4-+ I also looked at: 14.CDge4 b4! 15.d6! (15.CDdl
15 ... CDgS 16.®g2 gxflt 17.®xfl CDgf3t a5 l 6.CDe3 a4 l 7.ic4 CDxc4 l 8.CDxc4 CDe2t
18.<j;ihl 19.<j;ihl f5! is bad for White) 15 ... ixd6
18.<j;ig2? ®d7-+ 16.CDd5
18 ... ®d7 l 9.®h3 gf8+
It turns out that White has played a series of
only moves, only to realize that he is still close
to being completely lost.
a b c d e f g h
16 .. .fS!! l 7.CDxd6 (l 7.CDdf6t?? <j;ihs 18.CDxhS
fxe4-+) 17 ... CDe2t! 18.<j;ihl (18.<j;ih2 ®xd6+)
18 ... CDg3t 19.<j;igl= The game ends in a
peculiar perpetual.
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 13 - 6.lLlg5 239
IS ... ~d6 I6.lbxf7! ~xf7 17.WfgS
8~- ~~-·-
7.~.".T.r
6-~--
nl•7f~'
:•."~n',"n ~B ~
3n~mb• •b
~ ~ ~
2b~b- .b.
//,,,,,;
~ //,,,,,, ~ ~
f"~ ~;~ • ~-~

f~
a b
~ ·~~
c d e f g h
variation B22. 17 ... c4! 18.dxc4 b4!
However, the text leads to a sharp position A nice tactical idea: White has been deprived
with good chances for Black, as the following of e4 for his knight, and the game must end in
lines illustrate: perpetual check.
15.WfxeS 19.Wfxd8
It is of course natural to grab the offered Acquiescing to the draw.
piece. 19JM7? allows: l 9.. .'~ffxg5 20.ixg5 bxc3
15.~hl b4+± is at least equal for Black. 2 um cxb2 22.§b 1 4Je2t 23.ci,h 1 (23.§xe2
§xe2 24.§xb2 ms-+) 23 ... 4Jc3 24.§ffl 4Jxb l
15.ctJeG!? is interesting, yet after: 25.Ei'.xb 1 ig3-+ White is lost, as his king is
caged in a deadly trap.
19 .. Jhxd8
a b c d e f g h
15 .. .CtJefF! 16.~xB fxe6! 1niff2! (17.:Sfl

if61:) 17 ... ih4 18.dxe6 ixf2t l 9. 1g;xf2 c8xb3
20.a,xb3 '.sxe6 21.id ieS!+± Black regroups
his bishop successfully to c6, obtaining strong
pressure along the long diagonal. I consider his a b c d e f g h
prospects at least equal in that case. 20.CDa4 ctJe2t 21.@hl ctJg3t 22.@gl=
240
B22) 13JWe3 of White's massive queenside pawn armada.

If Black wants to play this position he has to
deploy his bishop to c6, so 20 ... ihS!? springs
immediately to mind. The problem is the
disruptive 21.~f5!?, placing some obstacles in
Black's path before he can realize his idea.
I4.h3!
This useful move gives the white king some
extra breathing space.
An immediate l 4.4Jce4 allows l 4 .. .f6 l 5.4Jxd6

4Je2t! 16.~hl fxg5! 17.ttJfS ~d6!!+±. Black
obtains the slightly better chances by exploiting
a b c d e f g h both the plight of the b3-bishop and White's
The point: having defended c2 with the temporarily weak back rank.
bishop, White has freed his queen to attack
the e5-knight, which is an integral part of 14.4Jge4!?
his defence. By luring the e7-bishop to d6 This can be met by a typical reaction:
to defend the centralized knight, White 14 .. .fS! 15.4Jxd6 \Wxd6 16.~g3 b4
gives substance to 4J e4 moves and hopes to Leading to strong counterplay.
successfully untangle his position. 17 .if4 bxc3 l 8Ji'.ae 1!
I3 ... i.d6!
Placing the bishop on d6 allows White to
attack it, but I didn't find anything better at
this point.
13 ... ixgS 14.~xg5 f6 15.~h4 a5 16.d6t
c4 17.dxc4 a4 l 8.~f2 4Je6 19.ttJxbS axb3
20.cxb3±/=
8 ~-
7 • • • •,
~-*•
mm~• m
~ a b c d e f g h
.!..
6 18 ... c4!! 19.ixe5
5~~~
~ ~ ~
» ~
~
19.dxc4 ~b6! 20.~h 1 (20.ie3?! f4!!
21 Jfxf4 4Je2t!! 22.:She2 ixe2+/+ is the
4 . • b• • brilliant tactical justification of Black's
3.b • • •
2bm. m ~bm play; the queen is untouchable because of
23 ... cxb2.) 20 ... ttJd7 2 l .ie3 ~f6 22.bxc3
1~~ ~ mn~ 4Je2+± Reaching an incredibly sharp position
a b c d e f g h with chances for both sides.
The computer claims equality here, but I am 19 ... ~b6 20.~f2 4Je2t 2Uhe2 ixe2 22.id4
a bit sceptical about Black's chances in view ~b7 23.~xe2
23.dxc4!? fxfl 24.~xfl cxb2 25.fxb2 00 h5-bishop to free his queen and activate his
produces a rare material imbalance which is pieces. A sample line is:
difficult to evaluate.
23 .. Jfae8 24.~f3 cxb3 25.axb3 cxb2 26.fxb2
~b6t 27.~h 1 f4~
The intrusion of the rook to e3 should secure
enough counterplay.
14 ... ~hS
White can move either knight to e4: B221)
15.ctJge4!? or B222) 15.ctJce4.
Instead, l 5.a4? ge8::i:: and l 5.~f2? a5+ are both

a b c d e f g h
weaker options leading to a massive advantage
for Black, who exploits the bad position of the l 7 ... b4 18.®xhS bxc3 19.~dl! (19.bxc3??
b3-bishop. 'Llg4!+) l 9 ... cxb2 (19 ... gae8 20.bxc3±;
l 9 .. .f4!? 20.bxc3 'Llxb3 2 l.axb3 f3 may be
B221) 15.ctJge4!? a better practical chance, but White has an
advantage all the same.) 20.ixb2 f4 2 I .ixd4
cxd4 22.~hS! f3 23.gae I gae8 24.ge4!± The
first player should gradually overcome the
technical difficulties and win.
16.ctJxd6
Logical, but it also develops Black.
16.~f2 seems to keep more possibilities open,

yet after: 16 ... aS! (16 ... fxe4!? l 7.'Llxe4 a5
18.c3 'Llxb3 l 9.axb3 'Llxd3 20.~fS!?t is a little
better for White as the pawn on d5 is rather
strong) l 7.'Llxd6 ®xd6 l 8.ie3
a b c d e f g h
This should not be underestimated, although
now Black can make use of the following
possibility:
15 ... ~g6!
Pressurizing White on e4. This move also
prevents the 'g' gS idea, which was already on
the cards.
Instead 15 .. .fS?'. does not come close to a b c d e f g h

equalizing, in view of 16J~xd6 'gxd6 1-,.~gS!. l 8 ... sab8!! 19.ixd4 (l 9.a4? 'Llxb3+) 19 ... cxd4
\X?hite exploits the important tempo on the 20.$xd4 a4 21.CLixbS gxb5 22.~xa4 gb4
242
23.1Wa7! CtJd7+ I would prefer the piece to the 24.c3 e3! 25.iWxe3 CtJg6 26.Wxe8 gxe8
white pawns. 27.cxd4 c4 28.d7 gg8 29.ilc7 cxb3 30.axb3
Wd3 31.d8=1W gxd8 32.fxd8 h6 33.fc7
I6 .. JWxd6 I 7.lDe4! Wxd4= is a position Black should hold easily.
With this move the opening fight is
approaching its climax, as White is trying to
unblock his queenside and evict the enemy
knight from d4.
17.\Wf2
~~*-
Black now has a choice:
6 B
~-r~.
~ -f~ •
18 ~&%
t~
sBl~8~
B.t.B
~
~
~ & 0,;,/.il;~ &
~
4 ~~/ /~/ ~~~
~-, ;//..... -~- , -~
3 ~it}CD8~·
~ ~ ~8
~ ;/
28·8· ~8~
~m ~ ~:a:@
1 /,.,,.Y , .. .,.~ ~ /, ...• /
a b c d e f g h I7 .. :~b6 I8.c3 ~xh3 I9.axh3

White might appear to be better, but Black
17 ... gae8!?
has a tactical stroke that equalizes the chances:
17 ... a5 transposes to the previous note.
18.hl
Preparing to develop the cl-bishop. l 8.fe3
CtJef3t! l 9.gxf3 gxe3= leads to a perpetual.
18 ... b4
In my opinion this leads to a wonderful
tactical struggle and an eventual draw.
7•{•li.~.t~·~
s ~-
6 B •
R ~~•R
R R.t.•.t.
R.tB
5
~ /,,,/, » .... ~
Although the line is unnecessary, I cannot
resist the temptation to give it in full: 4 R RltJR R
l 9.CtJe4 3R8~8~ R8
19.Clla4?? CtJef3!-+
l 9 ... fxe4 20.dxe4 f5! 2 l.ff4 fxe4 22.1Wd2 2 f~ R R8R
22.1We3 CtJxb3 23.1Wxb3 c4 24.fxe5 gxfl t 1 ~~
/.,,,,/".
~
,,,,,.~ Bg=
~ /,,,,,/,
25.gxfl gxe5 26.\Wxc4 h6 27.geJ e3

a b c d e f g h
28.Wb3 e2 29.\Wc4 Wxd5 30.Wxd5t gxd5
3U~xe2 gdit 32.h2 gal= is an equal I9 ... ~xd3! 20JWxd3 c4t 2I.'We3 ~xe4
ending. 22.hxc4 bxc4 23.d6 'Wc6 24.'Wg3 f6 25.~f4
22 ... Wa6! 23.d6t ~f7 26.~fdl aS=
23.gfe 1?! CtJdf3 24.gxf3 CtJxf3 25.d6t mhs The d6-pawn has been contained, and Black
is at least equal for Black. may exert counterbalancing pressure on b2
23 ... mhs 24.gael after getting his pawn to a4.
Chapter 13 - 6.ct:lgS 243
B222) 15.Ctke4 18 .. .'l!NxdS 19.ct:ixh7! ct:id7! 20.°IWgS ~xgS

21. ct:i hxgS ilg6~
Black has enough compensation for the
pawn and should draw comfortably.
B3) 10.h3
15 .. J~e8!
1his strong move seems to equalize
completely now, as White lacks the move ~g5
to put Black under pressure.
16.c3
White should play this to clarify the
situation. 10 ... ilhS 11.fxeS
Parimarjan opts for the most critical
16 ... ct:ixb3 17.axb3 ilc7 18J:1:a6! _ continuation.
18.c4 bxc4 19.bxc4 h6 20.ctJtM gxt6
2 l .4Je4 ctJxd3 22.ctJxf6t \Wxf6 23.IM6 gxe3 11.g4
24.c1he3 ie5+ looks better for Black. Instead, this was Kulaots - Fedorov, Moscow
2004, and here Black missed the energetic:
a b c d e f g h
244 2.tuc3 cuc6
l l ... exf4!N 13.ltJge4

White looks slightly worse, but with some 13.ib3 b5+± is a position that has already
accurate moves he might be able to equalize. been analysed in variation B2 l above.
12.0-0!
Bringing the king to relative safety is the first
and most important step.
Terrible is instead: 12.gxhS? CUxhS 13.®dl
CUg3 14.ixf4 CUxhl I 5.CUce4 CUg3!-+
White's fate has been sealed.
After 12.®g2 the safest course is Baramidze's
suggestion of l 2 ... ig6 (I 2 ... b5 13.0_:hbS
CUxbS 14.gxhS CUxhS+± also looks interesting
to me) l 3.CUf3 a6 l 4.C2lxd4 cxd4 l 5.fk2
ib4t 16.c;hdI ge8 17.Cilxf4 gc8~ when he
considers Black's compensation satisfactory,
in view of the exposed position of the white
monarch.
12 ... ig6!?
12 ... CUd7!? 00 is also possible.
13.CUf3 a6 14.a4 id6 15.C2lxd4 cxd4 16.CUe2
h5 l 7.CUxf4 hxg4 18.®g2
Now the safest course is: 14.d6?!
18 ... ®d7 19.hxg4 ®xg4 20.CUxg6 fxg6 I don't like this move so much, as it makes
2 l .®xg4 CUxg4= Black's life easier.
With equality according to Baramidze.
Baramidze extensively analysed l 4.ib3!? f5
:.T1r/~tlnd
/%.~. %.
s ~~ B ~~-~
"~f
l 5.ctJg3 if3!+± in Chess Evolution, concluding
that the position is about equal. His main
variation is 16.®el id6 17.id2 f4 18.ctJge4
:3-~~~-~-,
~-:11~.ii ~~% ~;;!·~······~ ~
ie7 19.ctJf2 id6 20.ctJfe4 ie7= with equality.
•
After the move in the game Black even obtains
some initiative:
14...~xd6 15.ltJxd6 °1Wxd6

2 ~~'%,1 ; , ··; • •
/~l[j~~-JfiAY[~~A~ Around here the computer starts to prefer
1 ~~ ~ ~ ~11 Black's position. The truth is that he has free

play and is not even a pawn down.
a b c d e f g h
11 ... ltJd7 12.0-0 ltJxeS
White has gained something compared to
the 1O.fxe5 line here, as the bishop has been
forced to h5. Still, Krasenkow demonstrates
that this is not a big deal.
Chapter 13 - 6.l2lg5 245
Conclusion
I recommended playing 7 ... dS!? as a gambit

when White resorts to the ctJgS sally before
castling. I am satisfied with the analysis
presented here, and I believe that knowing it
inside out will enable you to score well - even
against the stiffest of opposition.
a b c d e f g h
16 ..idS?
A mistake according to Baramidze.
16.Ct:JbS i:tJxbS 17.Jixb5=/S= was the best choice

according to him. Black may have a slight
edge, but White faces no serious problems.
16 ... El:ae8 17 ..ixh7 fSt 1s:~f2 .ie2! I9Jl:el

So far we have follmved Negi - Krasenkow,
Meli Ila 2011. Baramidze's recommendation is
excellent once more:
a b c d e f g h
I9 .. JWb8!N+
The position is extremely dangerous for
\\lhite, and he ma)' even already be lost.
a b c d e f g h
Grand Prix Attack - S.ic4

Variation Index
I.e4 c5 2.CLJc3 lbc6 3.f4 g6 4.CLJf3 .ig7 5 ..ic4 e6 6.f5!? lbge7! 7.fxe6
7 ... fxe6
A) 8.0-0 247
B) 8.d3 d5 249
Bl) 9.exd5?! exd5 10 ..ih3 b5! 11.0-0!? c4 12.dxc4 dxc4
13.~xdSt CLJxd8!! I4.CLJxb5 cxb3 15.CLJc?t ~d7 I6.CLJxa8 bxc2! 249
Bll) I7JU2 250
BI2) 17..if4!? 251
B2) 9 ..ih3 h5! 252
B21) 10.a4?! 253
B22) 10.0-0 256
A) note to 9.ib5 A) note to 9.~b5 B22) after 12.exd5?!
15 ... id7!N-+ 12 .. J"i'.f8!?N 12 ... cxb.3!N

Chapter 14 - Grand Prix Attack - 5 .~c4 247
1.e4 cS 2.ltJc3 ltJc6 3.f4 g6 4.ltJf3 ~g7 5.~c4 9.~bS

With this move, \Vhite enters the old- The lesser evil.
fashioned continuation of the so-called
Grand Prix Attack. His primitive idea is to 9.ib3? c4 10.exdS
provoke ... e6 and then open lines by f4-f5. 1O.ia4 d4 is also awful, as shown by:
There is a positional alternative to this crude l 1.CtJe2?! (11.CtJ b 1 d3 l 2.CtJa3 a6 13.ixc6t
opening scheme, which is examined in the CtJxc6 14.cthc4 b5 15.CtJe3 0-0 l 6.c3
next chapter. ib7 l 7.b3 gf4+ looks ridiculous for
White, but was the only way to hold on.)
s... e6 l l...d3 l 2.CtJc3 0-0 l 3.cxd3 cxd3 l 4.a3
Blocking the dangerous bishop. CtJd4 15.:;i?hl Sakhatsky-Terekhov, Kiev
2010. Black went on to win comfortably,
6.fS!? ltJ ge7! but most clinical at this point would have
Black adheres to the rule of developing with been l 5 ... id7!N-+.
tempo. Besides the transparent threat to the 10 ... exdS l 1.ia4 0-0+
fS-pawn, there is also a positional idea in ... d5. TI1e bishop is markedly offside, and White
does better to part with it immediately:
7.fxe6 fxe6
Black remains faithful to his plan of playing
against the c4-bishop. 7 ... dxe6 is a worthwhile
alternative, but we will nor devote any space
6
to it here.
5
White will now continue with either A) 8.0-0 4

or B) 8.d3. 3
2
A) 8.0-0 dS!
a b c d e f g h
12.ixc6
12.d3?! amounts to an unsound piece
sacrifice: l 2. .. ixc3! 13.bxc3 bS l 4.ih6 m7
15.ixbS ~b6t l 6.CtJd4 CtJxd4 l 7.cxd4 CtJf5!
(17 ... gxflt 18.~xfl CtJf5 19.dxc4! CtJxh6
20.cS ~cl 21.~B ie6 22.gel iJ7 23.c3+
gave Black some problems in realizing
the extra piece in McKay - Hanston,
Siegen [ol] 1970.) l 8.dxc4 CtJxh6 l 9.gxf7
CtJxf7-+ White has no compensation.
12 ... CtJxc6
a b c d e f g h 12 ... bxc6 13.d3 cxd3 14.cxd3 ig4+ is also
good.
TI1e bishop is forced to the less appealing
13.d3 ig4 14.dxc4 dxc4 15.~xdS gaxdS
b5-square, facilitating Black's task. My analysis
16.igS gdeS+
from this position goes as follows:
248 Viic3 4Jc6
White has few chances of survival, despite 11...ctJd4!

the symmetrical structure that has arisen, as A principled reaction, enabling Black to take
the black bishops are extremely powerful on over the initiative. The f3-knight is White's
an open board. best piece, guarding d4 and g5, and defending
the king, so it makes sense to exchange it right
9.exd5 exd5 I0.4Jxd5? 4Jxd5 11.Wel t away.
4Jde7+ also fails to offer White adequate
compensation. After l 2.d3, the most exact 12.@hl!?
defence is probably 12 .. J~fS!?N, preparing This looks like the most reasonable reaction .
... WdG. In case of 13.Wh4, Black can return White is intending to play ig5.
part of his material advantage:
l 2.4Jxd4? 8'.xfl t 13.Wxfl cxd4 l 4.4Je2 dxe4
l 5.dxe4 WbG 1G.~h 1 id7+ left Black with a
massive advantage in Phillips - Vancini, corr.
1990, as ... 8'.c8 is coming and White is weak
on both c2 and e4.
12.id2 b5!?t is also much better for Black.
12... ctJxf3 13.El:xf3 d4!

Gaining space is important when you have
a b c d e f g h the two bishops!
13 .. Jhf3!? 14.8'.xf3 Wd4t 15.Wxd4 ixd4t

16.©hl (1G.ie3 ig4 l 7.8'.g3 c2Jf5 18.ixd4
4Jxg3 19.ixcS bG 20.if2 4Je2t 21.©fl
c2Jf4+) 16 ... ifS+ Black enters an ending with
decent winning chances. The next couple of
moves could be ... ©d7 and ... h5.
9 ... 0-0 I0.~xc6 'Dxc6 11.d3

White is ready to initiate play on the dark
squares on the kingside, but Black won't let him!
14... W!xfs I5.'De2 eS

Black has all the chances. We will briefly
follow one game which reached this position.
Chapter 14 - Grand Prix Attack - 5 .ic4 249
16.@gl may overextend. I will go into some detail

16. ctJ g 1 ie6 1 7. ctJ f3 c4 1s also better for explaining the flaws of Bl) 9.exdS?!, before
Black. moving on to the more advisable B2) 9.ib3.
9.ibS?! 0-0 is, as we already know, better for

Black.
Bl) 9.exdS?! exdS 10.ib3
According to my analyses this position 1s

almost unplayable for White. Black should
take the bull by the horns:
10 ... bS!
With the brutal threat of ... c4.
a b c d e f g h 11.0-0!?
16 ... ie6 17.b3 bS 18.a4 c4 11.ctJxbS? ~a5t 12.ctJd c4!? (12 ... d4 has
1his was Kharlampidi - Tsanas, Athens also been tried, but then White has some
2006, and now White's best chance to hold compensation as his bishop comes to life.) The
was: text is a fine suggestion by Hodgson and Day
in Grand Prix Attack:f4 Against the Sicilian that
19.axbSN cxb3 20.cxb3 'Wb4 21.id2 'WxbS has given Black a perfect score in tournament
22.Ct~cl~ practice. 13.dxc4 d4 14.0-0 dxc3+ Black has
a sizeable advantage; his king is not really
B) 8.d3 dS exposed, so the material plus should eventually
prove a telling factor. One game from this
position continued:
a b c d e f g h
l 5.bxc3 West l 6.ct:Jd4 ct:Jxd4 l 7.ie3 ct:Jef5

The main trump of White's system is about
l 8.cxd4 ctJxe3 19 .dxc5 ctJxd 1 20-1::faxd 1 gf8
to turn into his major headache. Black is
21.me 1t ciif7 22.c6 This was Bangiev -
ruthlessly piling up on the c4-bishop, but
Wittmann, corr. 1986, and here best seems
he must also be careful as in doing so he
250 2.Guc3 cucG
22 ... .if6N+, when I cannot see any serious board. All this amounts to good winning
compensation for White. chances for Black, but he must be careful.
11...c4 I2.dxc4 dxc4 13.\WxdSt White now usually plays Bll) 17JH2, but
BI2) 17.iJ4!? may be the better try.
Bl I) I 7J~f2
The best way of playing was found by John

Shaw:
17 .. .lDdS!!
The a8-knight will not run away. In the
meantime, Black takes care not to allow the
equalizing manoeuvre iJ4-e5.
l 7 ... ib7?!
As I stated in the note to move 16, Black
a b c d e f g h
has to be careful. TI1is gives White an
13 .. .lDxdS!! opportunity to take the pawn immediately:
l 3 ... @xd8? 14.CllxbS cxb3 l 5.axb3~ allows 18jhc2!
White fantastic compensation, in the shape of The late Russian grandmaster Andrei
two pawns and powerful dark-square pressure Kharlov gave l 8.gd2t? @c8 in his notes
around the black king. to the game referenced on page 252, failing
to notice the strong reply l 8 ... ctJd5!+ after
14.lthbS cxh3 I5.ttk7t @d7I6.tt:ha8 bxc2! which White lacks a satisfactory follow-
u p. For example, l 9Jhc2 ctJe6! 20 ..id2
:9'.xa8+ and we transpose to an unsatisfactory
position for White mentioned below.
18 ... ixa8
l 8 ... ctJe6?! l 9 ..ih6! allows White too much
play.
8 ..t/} ~
7/i
6
/>~~
5
4
3
It is time to review the situation. White has 2
a material advantage, but it is only temporary
as the a8-knight is trapped. In addition, Black
a b c d e f g h
has a monstrous pawn on c2 and his bishops
(particularly the one on g7) are raking the 19.if4! ctJe6 20.gdl t!
Chapter 14 - Grand Prix Attack - 5 .!c4 251
After 20.ieS?! ixf.3! 2 I .ixg7 C[Jxg7 22.gxf.3

C[Jgf5 23.EKdlt c;te6 24.~f2 gb8+ Black
is slightly better, provided he is prudent
enough ro keep his rook on the board.
20 ... C[Jd5 2 l .ie5=
Equalizing for White, and perhaps doing a
bit more than that, Wolf - Gorecki, Seefeld
2000.
18J:hc2
18.E&d2?! is pointless because of 18 ... ib7
l 9.EKxc2 C[Je6! Guarding d4 and fully
coordinating Black's armv. 20.id2 gxa8
21.gdl ~'e8! 22.Efel ~t7 23.C[Je5t ~g8 The
black king has escaped from the firing line of
the white rooks. An attempt to recover some
material by 24.C[Jxg6? fails to the following
wonderful tactical sequence:
8 ~ B12) 17.~f4!?
7 /&.i..
6
5
4
3
2
a b c d e f g h
24 .. J:i'.eS 25.C[Jf4 (25.C[Jh4 id4t! 26.:;thl

if2 27.E&e4 C[Jf6 28J:i'.b4 ie4-+) 25 ... id4t
26.<±hl C[Je3!! Unleashing both the e8-rook
and the b7-bishop. 27.ixe3 C[Jxf4-+ White is
dead lost.
18 .. .Ct~e6!
Containing both the cl-bishop and the
17 ... ~fS!
a8-knight; in this vvay, Black seems ro obtain a
Black immediately puts pressure on the
small yet clear advantage.
bishop, and activates his rook at the same time.
19.!d2 !h7 20J!dl ~xa8 21.~aS?!

18.~g3
The lesser evil is: 21.id fk8 (21...ih6!?)
Suggested by Kharlov, but it's not a great
22.gcd2 ixc3 23.bxd :td6+
improvement as we shall see.
252
18.ClleSt? ixe5 19.ixe5 2'.xflt 18 ... ~xb2!

Black is practically winning, as the It seems that White has few chances to
exchange of rooks has rendered the c2-pawn survive after this.
untouchable.
20.2'.xfl 19.E1:acl ~xcl 20.E1:xcl ltJfS! 2I.E1:xc2
Black is also dictating events after 20.~xfl 21.if2 ib7-+
ctJdc6 2 l.ic3 ctJd5 22.2'.cl ~d6! Preparing
t2JR..t~ ~
to support the pawn by ... if5, as the check
on e3 means it is untouchable for now.
s w;% ~/,,. i~
~..... ~ ~
23.~el ctJxc3 24.bxc3 ifs 25.~d2 ctJe5+ 7 W~i
;:•;
Wf/;}:;~rJ>.,R
%.w;'s'~;ww
Ra
~;.w •
6 ~W!
~ ~~
:::::?,:;;;; Hi~~
w.w %/m
s R ..R RlllR
4 RR
%w :::ww RR
~ $w
3 R R Rt2J~
2~R~R R~~
1 R ~R~R,, ~~{ ,
~ %W: ~~ /,. ,/
a b c d e f g h
2I...ltJxg3 22.hxg3
22.2'.c7t? ~d6 23.2'.xc8 ctJe2t 24.~f2 ctJd4-+
leaves White in a state of despair. The threat is
simply ... ctJxf3 followed by ... ctJe6, swapping
rooks and trapping the hapless knight on a8,
and there is nothing to be done about it.
22 ...~b7 23.ltJc7 ~xf3 24.gxf3 ~xf3+

Black has excellent winning chances in the
ensuing ending.
Chapter 14 - Grand Prix Arrack - 5.ic4 253
Ir looks more prudent to refrain from freeing contact with the kingside without allowing
the c8-bishop. White to preserve an active rook on fl
17.lilxfS Wxal l 8.lile6 Wxa2?! I 9.lilxg7 stixg7
9 ... bS! 20.WB! We6 21.We3 Wes 22.Wf2 lild4 23.c3
Black continues in the same thematic style, lildc6 24.ie3 Wxc3 2S.ixcS Wes 26.d4 Wxe4
by threatening to trap rhe ambitious bishop. 27.WfGt
White now has four options, and I will pay V2-V2 Bilek - Ribli, Hungary 1969. Due to
particular attention to B21) 10.a4?! and Black's inexact play White had managed to
B22) 10.0-0. reach a perpetual check.
1O.exdS?! exdS transposes to variation B 1 B21) 10.a4?!

above.
1O.cthbS?! Wast 11.lild

This is an unsound piece sacrifice.
l l ... d4
l l...c4!? l 2.id2 cxb3 13.lilxdS bxc2
14.Wxc2 Wd8 as in Rudensky - Kozlov,
USSR 1974, also looks fine for Black.
12.0-0 dxc3 13.bxc3 0-0
White doesn't seem to have enough for the
knight; the c3-pawn is about to fall, with
Black obtaining full control of the important
dark-squared long diagonal.
a b c d e f g h
~
~.
',,
8 /
<j__ .~.,~( ,j
White intends to soften Black up on the
7 /&.; ;I) i a2-g8 diagonal. This idea is well-motivated
6
5 ~
.
,,,
'I),· i i strategically, bur Black is able to come our on
top with tactics .
10 ... b4 l 1.ctJe2 ctJaS!?

The most circumspect, renewing the threat
of ... c4.
a b c d e f g h 11...hGN, however, may also be playable.
14.lilgS id7 l S.ixe6t

12.~a2!?
l S.lilxe6 ixe6 16.ixeGt ;!Jh8 17.id2
This idea was first brought to my attention
ixc3 18.ihG (18.igS c4!-+ is a nice motif)
by the game Nykopp - Niemela, Helsinki
18 .. Jhfl t 19.~xfl ctJg8!-+ should win for
1992, which continued 12 ... 0-0 13.igS!?
Black as well.
ib7 (13 ... ixb2!?N) 14.d with an unclear
1S ... ;he6 16.lilxeG ~xc3?
position.
16 ... sxfl t!N 17.~xfl ~xc3-+ looks
stronger: it enables the queen to establish
Instead, 12.0-0?! ignores all positional rules,
254
allowing: 12 ... dxe4 13.ctJg5?! (13.dxe4! ia6 17 ... 0-0+ Black held a large endgame
l 4.ctJf4 4Jxb3! l 5.cxb3 Wb6+ would have advantage in Klitchev- Baikov, Moscow 1995.
kept White's disadvantage to a minimum)
13 ... 4Jxb3 14.cxb3 Wxd3 15.Wel ctJf5 16.ctJf4 I3 ... exd3 14.~xe6!?N
Wd4t 17.~hl We5+ Black's wonderful This should be the critical test of the line,
centralization offered him a clear plus in but Black seems able to survive the storm.
A. Stein - Liberzon, Tel Aviv 1978.
l 4.cxd3 is simply met by l 4 ... b3! l 5.ixb3
12.exd5 4Jxb3 13.cxb3 Wxd5+ is at least 4Jxb3 16.Wxb3 Wd5+ and White's weak
slightly better for Black, as White's pawn queenside will be a target for the black bishops.
structure is the more damaged of the two and
Black's bishops are supreme.
Finally, 12.ie3 dxe4 13.dxe4 Wxdl t 14Jhdl

c4 15.ia2 b3 16.cxb3 cxb3 17.ibl ixb2+
was better for Black in Yap - Williams,
Sheffield 2011, as White's activity does not
folly compensate for the pawn.
a b c d e f g h
I4 ... h6!
A cool and unexpected reaction which, in
fact, is the only move!
I5.~f7t
After l 5.ctJf7?! it's time for a grandiose queen
sacrifice:
a b c d e f g h
I2 ... clxe4!?
Entering crazy complications: Black accepts
the challenge and tries to prove that White's
strategy has been a failure.
13.ttJgS!?
This is the point of White's play, preparing
to pile up heavily against e6.
13.dxe4? Wxdlt 14.~xdl 4Jec6! (14 ... c4?!

l 5.ctJed4!+) l 5.ie3 c4 16.4Jed4 4Jxd4
l 7.4Jxd4 (l 7.ixd4 ixd4 l 8.4Jxd4 e5+)
Chapter 14 - Grand Prix Attack - 5.lc4 255
gxd8 l 8.\Wxe6 gdl t l 9.~xe2 gxh I+ with the l 8 ... ~h7 l 9.ctJg3 (19.t2ld4? \Wxd4 20.iWhSt
idea 20.igS? t2Jac6!-+) l 7 ... ic4+ White will ih6-+) l 9 ... g4!+ Black has weathered the
not be able to hold out for long with his king storm, as White cannot access hS with his
so exposed. queen and the rook is coming to f8.
15 ... @fS 16 ... hxgS

The area surrounding Black's king looks a Black has won a piece, but from now on great
bit draughty, but White is hanging all over the accuracy is required as White has attacking
place and he cannot exploit it. resources.
17.~xg6t
Other lines won't suffice for White either.
It is easy to understand that Black is practically

winning after 17.idSt ifS 18.ixaS \Wxa8+.
More complicated is:

17.ixgS ifS 18.ixg6! dxe2 l 9.\Wxe2!?
19.ixe7t \Wxe7 20.gxfSt if6-+
l 9 ... \Wd4t 20.~hl
a b c d e f g h
16.0-0!?
The most combative.
In case of 16.gfl there follows: 16 ... hxgS

l 7.ixg6t ( 17.~xgS d2t!+ forces White to
pull the bishop back, after which his attack
fades away.) 17 ... i;tgS 18.~f;t (After 18.~xgS
d2t! the same motif appears again, exploiting
the weakness of the king staying on e 1 .)
20 ... gxh2t!
20 .. .Cllxg6? 21.gxfSt ~g8 22.\We6t ~h7
8 .i n.m3!+-
7 i 21.:;txh2 \Wd6t
6 White is worse no matter which of the
5 .Ill i i: following variations he chooses:
4 bi 22. ~h 1
White's king has become weak too, and
3 i every move has its defects:
2 bb .•. ltJ bb a) 22.i;tgl id4H
g ~V@n b) 22.g3 weakens the light-square complex
a b C d e f g h h3-g2-h 1, something that Black should be
256 2. ltJ c3 ltJ c6
able to exploit. 22 ... Wxg6 23.Wxe7t ciigS 22 ... ilest

24.®xcS ie4+ with the idea: 25.WxaS? Now it becomes clear that Black is taking
(25.Wxb4? Wh5t 26.ih4 We2t) 25 ... WhSt over the initiative; his king can move to g7,
26.ih4 We2t-+ opening up pressure against h2. White's
22 ... Wxg6 23.Wxe7t ciigS+ compensation is insufficient.
With threats like ... 4Jc6 and ... geS Black is
clearly in the driver's seat. B22) 10.0-0
17 ... @gS 18.iJ7t

18 .ixg5 ie6+
18 ... @h7 19.~g3!?

Weaker is 19.ctJf4? id4t 20.ciihl gxf4-+.
19.ixgS dxe2 20.Wxe2 Wd4t 21.ciihl Wg4!

22.Wxe7 ib7 23.gf2 gadS Black has obtained
a winning counterattack. After 24.ge 1,
the strong reply 24 .. _ghfS! emphasizes the
overloading of the white pieces.
19 ... ~d4t 20.@hl ilg4 21.~el a b c d e f g h

21.Wd2!? is another try, although we are still The best move, offering White approximate
well in control after 21.. .if6. equality.
7~fl-fl·'··
8
~• m m ~~ 10 ... c4
There is no going back now.
1 l .dxc4 bxc4!
: w'~m?,fmflflj fl
Playing to get a pawn on c2 is the order of
~~,~~~-r.
6 :,,-:•;·~-
the day here too.
2fl~,-~.j~
5
l 1...dxc4 12.WxdSt ciixdS 13.ctJxb5 cxb3
14.axb3~ is a position where White's initiative
fully compensates for the piece.
f "~ ~;~ :,; ~'] ~
1 f~ ~ ~l:(~@ 12.exdS?!
a b c d e f g h White wants to open lines in the centre,
21...dxc2! 22.~e4 where the black king is still located.
22.Wxe7 WeS! By exchanging queens, Black
removes any potential danger to his king and Better is: 12.ia4! d4 13.ctJ bS!?N (13.igS?!
obtains a winning ending. Wb6+; 13.ctJbl 0-0 14.ibS c3 15.bxc3 Wb6
l 6.ctJa3 dxc3t 17.ciih 1 ia6 18.gb 1 ixb5
22.ixgS ctJg6-+ is also hopeless for White. 19.gxbS gadS 20.gxb6 gxdl 21.gxdl axb6
22.ctJbS gaS 23.a3 ga4=)
Chapter 14 - Grand Prix Attack - 5.ic4 257
8
7
6
,~
.i .t~tf
./'I)
'I)
i
.i
..t. i
i
l 6.:Sf2 gc8+) l 6.4Jxc2 §:b8+ is annoying
for White, with moves like ... ia6 and ... 0-0
about to emphasize the pressure .
5 .· > lLl
4 ~ i:i:.B
3 lLl
2 B ts B B ;fs.
/M. il.°fi· .,M@
a b c d e f g h
13 ... 0-0 14.0"id2 0Je5 l 5Jhf8t ixf8 16.CtJf.3

4J7c6 l 7.0"ixe5 4Jxe5 l 8.~xd4 '\Wxd4t
l 9.0"ixd4 ic5 20.d ib7~ Black has foll
compensation for the sacrificed pawn, but no
more.
l 5Jfd6
This does nor folly equalize either:
15 ... CtJfS l 6.gd2 ia6! l 7.gxc2 gc8 l 8.if4
l 8.4Je4 id3 l 9.4Jd6t 4Jxd6 20.gd2 ie4
2 I .gxd6 gxc6 22.gxc6 ixc6+
18.4Ja4 4Jd4+ 19.4Jxd4? ixd4t 20.~hl
id3! 2 l.gd2 gf8 22.gdl ic2-+
a b c d e f g h
12 ... cxh3!N
White is better after l 2 ... exd5 l 3.ia4 0-0
14.ixc6 '&b6t l 5Jff2 ~xc6 16.CtJd4 ~b6
17Jhf8t ~xf8 18.id 'gxb2 19.~el!t.
13.dxc6 ~xdl
Black has achieved his aim of exchanging
queens without allowing the opening of the
a-file, and without losing rhe castling privilege.
a b c d e f g h
Of course he has no material advantage here,
bur it is rhe initiative that counts. l 8 ... CtJd4!
It is important to exchange the good knight
14.~xdl on f.3.
14.CLixd 1 bxc2 l 5.4Je3 4Jxc6 (15 ... ia6 I8 ... gxc6 19.ieS±
258
19.4Jxd4 Conclusion
l 9Ji'.d2 4Jxf3t 20.gxf3 :i:hc6+
l 9.E!'.f2 0-0+ The Grand Prix Attack against the Sicilian is
19 ... ixd4t 20.c,tihl E!'.xc6 21.E!'.d2 e5+ a lively yet brutal system. White places his
The black bishops are dominating the board. bishop on c4 and hopes that the march of
the f-pawn will soften up Black's defences -
making this piece an important attacking tool.
Our strategy throughout this chapter was to
block the bishop's radius by placing a pawn
on e6; playing to then restrict it further or
exchange it, all according to circumstance. I
think that the repertoire offered here provides
Black with sound ways to neutralize White's
initiative while keeping his winning chances
alive, and at the same time does not put him
in any kind of jeopardy. The verdict is equality,
but I think Black's position is the easier one to
play: I would expect readers to score reasonably
a b c d e f g h well by mastering the lines and the nuances
15 .. .CtJxc6 I6J.hc2 ctJd4! 17.CtJxd4 .ixd4t presented here.
18.@hl 0-0~
s .i R.tR
~~•R
7rt R R Ra
6 '"R RiRiR
:-~~'f){·~-~
sR RR R
2
R ~RR
~
t~MR•Rt[~
/L,,; ~ ~
~m
C"/,
a
•
b
~-~
~
c d
~
e f
~@
g h
Black has two good bishops, and the e-pawn
is more of a strength than a weakness. Still,
White's position is not that bad and he should
be able to draw with correct play.
Grand Prix Attack - S.ibS
Variation Index
Le4 c5 2.ctJc3 ctJc6 3.f4 g6 4.ctJf3 ~g7 5.~b5!?
5 ... ltJd4!
A) 6.a4 ctJf6!? 260
Al) 7.0-0 261
A2) 7.e5 262
B) 6.~c4 e6! 264
Bl) 7.d3 265
B2) 7.e5!? d5! 267
B21) 8.exd6 Wfxd6 9.d3 267
B211) 9 ... ctJf6 268
B212) 9 ... ctJe7!? 269
B22) 8.ctJxd4!? 270
C) 6.ctJxd4 cxd4 7.ctJe2 ctJf6 271
Cl) 8.e5 ctJd5 272
CII) 9.c4?! 272
CI2) 9.c3! 273
C2) 8.~d3 Wfb6 275
C21) 9.h3 276
C22) 9.0-0 277
C23) 9.a4 d6! I0.a5!? Wfc5! 280
C231) 1 Lb4!? 281
C232) 11.h3 282
D) 6.0-0!? a6! 283
DI) 7.~d3!? 283
D2) 7.~c4 286
260 2. ctJ c3 ctJ cG
1.e4 cS 2.&ik3 ~c6 3.f4 g6 4.~f3 ig7 The most straightforward reply. Black's play
S.ihS!? is associated with a direct ... d5.
The more fashionable branch of the Grand
Prix. White has a positional threat now in 6 ... b6
ixc6, leaving Black with a rather inflexible Another logical idea; Black wants to continue
pawn formation. development, whilst avoiding an immediate
confrontation in the centre.
7.,.,.,.,
8
6
~ j_~<9g4)~~
i. g
Rlj)R RiR
;:,,,,,/ g /,,,,,Y 7.0-0 ib7 8.d3 e6 9.ct:Jxd4
9.ic4?! ct:Je710.ia2 d5 l l.ctJg5?! h6 12.ct:Jh3
0-0 l 3.ct:Jf2 leaves both the a2-bishop
and f2-knight as passive spectators. l 3 ... f5!?
sR~• RR ~~ ~ ~~*~~
R Rb~ R 8
7 ({.t~ 6 ?~J(t~
t•::: .JL ~/;.;i
J(&;;.
4
3R m •~• 6
~-?
.~ .JL
}a(; /ff{:; & ir:/ & <&~
:;;:% A ::?,>;i A ~-;
2fwti~H~RfH
r it \:;:, "t;/, \,,,,,,,'" [lig% %
5 ~
;,;:::,:t1/
4 b~~
.•. · &'~ A
;:/A:- &
/1118?§
Js.;.:~ A&
/.//j///
1~~ ~V~ ~M 3 ~
irir /~
;1J ; .%
8 /;~r:
.J!J!,
//.x
a b c d e f g h 2 ~~ :::O;:;
Jiff% OA ~J( ··~· A )A~
~:::.;, ,:1) O :.:O;
s... ~d4! ~~ ~iV~M~
A typical reaction. The knight moves again, a b c d e f g h
but this is fully justified as it occupies a fine
l 4.exd5? (14.e5N+) l 4 ... exd5 l 5.ct:Je2
central position while attacking the b5-bishop.
4Jxe2t 16.~xe2 ciih7 17.c3 d4 18.id2
An extra advantage of the knight's new location
ct:Jd5 19.:sfel dxc3 20.bxc3 ~c7+ Black
is that ifWhite were to exchange it by ct:Jxd4 at
was clearly better in Meister - Pigusov, Tula
some point, then ... cxd4 gains space and time
1991.
by hitting the c3-knight.
9 ... cxd4 10.ct:Je2 ct:Je7 l l.ctJg3 a6!?
l l...tMfc7 12.a5!N+± is unclear. Instead,
White's four options at this point are: A) 6.a4,
12.id2?! a6 13.ic4 d5 14.ib3 dxe4 15.dxe4
B) 6.ic4, C) 6.~xd4 and D) 6.0-0!?.
h5!+ was better for Black in Ljubarskij -
Meister, Altenkirchen 2005.
6.id3 will likely transpose to lines mentioned
elsewhere, for example 6 ... d6 7.ct:Jxd4 cxd4
8.ct:Je2 a6 9.0-0 ct:Jf6 takes us to variation 01.
A) 6.a4
This is a widely adopted move, with the idea

being to maintain the annoying pin on the
d-pawn and to prevent a queenside expansion
by ... b5. Black has various ways to react.
6 ... ~f6!?
Chapter 15 - Grand Prix Attack - 5.i1b5 261
12.ic4 d5 13.ib3 dxe4 14.dxe4 h5 15.~d3cc Al) 7.0-0

A double-edged position arises, where Black
can continue logically with either l 5 ... h4~ or
l 5 ... ~c7~. Both moves are aiming to put e4
under pressure.
Another option is:

6 ... a6 7.id3!?
7.ic4 e6 8.0-0 c2le7 9.d3 d5~ transposes to
the note on 9.a4?! in variation D2.
7 ... d6
Intending the dangerous ... ig4.
8.~xd4 cxd4
8 ... ixd4?! 9.a5::: is better for White as the
weakness of b6 gives us headaches.
9.~e2
Slightly less committal, intending to push
e4-e5 only after Black has castled.
8 ~. ·. j_ "if*. <{ IS) •:i:;
7 ;/ & . & & :_t & 7 ... 0-0 8.eS
6 & & &. 8.d3 d5!? looks more than okay for Black.
5 /
8 .. .CtlhS
4 8 l 8~8 White now has a choice, although not a
3 .~ satisfactory one in my opinion.
2 8/8 &tlJ> .8 8· 9.lthd4
M .~ii~ M 9.f5?! ~xf3t 10.~xf3 ixe5 is a rather
a b C d e f g h speculative pawn sacrifice. I don't see real
9 ... e5!? compensation for White here.
This rare move looks okay for us. 9.~e4?! can be answered by: 9 ... d5! 10.~xcS
10.0-0 ig4 11.d (1 l.ie2 ixf3 l 2.ixf3 ~xf4
10.b3 ~h4t! l 1.g3 ~d8+ is at least equal 13.d ixe5! 14.cxd4 ixd4t 15.~hl ixc5
for Black. l 6.d4 id6 l 7.g3 ~e6 l 8.ih6 ~g7 19.ixdS
10 ... ~f6N if4! 20.ixf7t Ei'.xf7+ is better for Black.)
10 ... ~h6 was Drahorad - Cekan, Klatovy l l...~xf3t l 2.gxf3 ih3 l 3.d4
2013, when Black soon went wrong and lost.
1 l.c3 dxc3 12.bxc3
12.dxd 0-0 1:3.a5 b5!x is also fine for
Black, as he has a healthy queenside and the
pressure on e4 will be strong
12 ... 0-0 13.ic2 geSx
Leading to very complicated play.
\Ve immediately reach another branching

point. White has Al) 7.0-0 or A2) 7.eS.
a b c d e f g h
13 ... b6! 14.Ctlb3 (14.l2Jd3 ixfl 15.~xfl ih6!) 15.~d3

14 ... ixfl 15.ixfl f6!---+ In addition to an extra Now, however, the c I-bishop is hemmed in.
exchange, Black obtains a strong attack too.
1S ... ~xh2t 16.@hl ~d6 17.\Wf3
9 ... cxd4 10.~e4 17.aS eS l 8.ie2 e4---+ looks awful for White
Black should be able to hold his own as Black threatens ... ~ d8-g5.
comfortably, and can perhaps hope for a bit
more than that.
10 ... dS!? 11.~cS!?

Both 11.ltJgS?! f6! l 2.exf6 %hf6 l 3.g3 eS!+
and l 1.l2Jg3 l2Jxg3 12.hxg3 f6+ are worse for
White.
l 1. .. \Wc7!?
One interesting possibility among many.
Black prepares to sacrifice a piece.
12.b4
On 12.t2Jb3, best appears: 12 .. .f6! (12 ... l2Jxf4
13.Bxf4 ixeS 14.Bfl is not so clear. But not
14.Bxd4? ixd4t 15.l2Jxd4 a6 16.ifl ~b6
l 7.c3 eS+) 13.g4 fxeS 14.gxhS e4!~ With
excellent compensation for the sacrificed piece.
Black's powerful bishops and pressure on f4, A2) 7.eS
combined with White's stilted development,
make this position more pleasant for him.
7 ... ~hS 8.d3!?

Chapter 15 - Grand Prix Attack - 5.~b5 263
8.0-0 0-0 transposes to variation AL A sample line could be:

analysed above. 12.~xd4 cxd4 13.~xbS fxf5 I 4.ff4 \t:&b8!
l 5.\t:&e2 f6!t
Black holds all rhe trumps.
9 ... cxd4 10.tue2 d6

TI1e opening up of the game finds White
underdeveloped.
4
3
2 1:J·fj· /;Jf 0:/~%.
?
j!;/ fj 4J!f
; ,}
; " ;.}/;;,,;;; / / ;
~~ ~°ii~ ?~fl:
a b c d e f g h
8 ... 0-0!?
Apparently losing a piece, but the exposed
nature of the b5-bishop's placement gives
Black the necessary counterplay.
9.Cuxd4
a b c d e f g h
9.g4 11.exd6 exd6!?
This is strongly met by: Black fights against the stray b5-bishop and
highlights the weakness of e3. Taking with the
8 ~ .t1W
,,,1., ~~ queen is also more comfortable for Black.
''~,
7
12.0-0
'
6
5 b 'I)
4 8 'I) 8 fj
3 l8 8 l8
2 88 8
:S 1l iii@ :S
a b C d e f a
/::: h
9 ... d5!
9... a6 10.gxh5 (10.ic4 d5 11.exdG txg4=)
1O... axb5 11.~xd4 cxd4 12.~xb5 d6
13.exdG exd6 14.0-0 ih3~ is also good,
bur is less convincing.
1O.f5
1O.'i:;g 1 CL;xf4! I I.ixf4 a6+
1O... a6 11.gxhS axb5=
264
12 ... dSN, with the idea of 13 ... a6, is another B) 6 ..ic4

good option. For instance, 13.aS a6 l 4.ia4
®xa5 l 5.h3 ®c5+ and it is doubtful that
White has enough compensation for a pawn.
I3J~f2
The best defence, allowing the queen to
unpin by moving to fl if needed.
13.gel?! a6 14.ic4 ®h4 15.id2 gfe8 looks

dangerous for White, with the point being
l 6.h3 t2if6!.
13 ... dS
With the idea of l 4 ... a6.
Retreating the bishop spares Black a tempo
14.aS a6 15 ..ia4 'WxaS 16.h3 .ixe2 l 7.'Wxe2! he would probably invest on ... a6. That is
Worse is 17 _gxe2, as given by Bangiev, because the second player does not necessarily
because after l 7 ... 'llg3 18.ge 1 t2if5+ Black intend to play ... 'llxb5, but would prefer to
keeps all the trumps. "bury" this bishop by advancing his queenside
pawns.
s:iR R ~~•R 6 ... e6!

7RiR Ri•i We are at another crossroads: Bl) 7.d3 is the
4;t.~,~~~-
:~.-.. 61 less incisive path, focusing on development,
while the more ambitious B2) 7.eS!? is a
playable alternative. White also has the
~-:,Aal
X rf "-~J~~, \/"""~
1~~ ~
a b c
~
d
m e f g h
following options:
7.'llxd4 cxd4 8.'lle2 'lle7 9.0-0?!

9.d3 is a direct transposition to variation Bl.
The text is an attempt to play without d2-d3
that fails to:
9 ... d5! 1O.ib5t
17 .. .lt)g3! 1O.exd5 'llxd5 led to an edge for Black in
Bangiev gave 17 ... gfeS!? as better for Black, Choisy - Favarel, France 2006.
overlooking the fine reply l 8.b4! gxe2 19.bxaS 1O... 'llc6!+
'llg3 20.id2 gc8 21.gbl=, when White is not Black has the better chances. For example:
worse. l l .d3
11.eS ®b6!+
18.'Wf3 ~fS 19 ..id2 'Wes 20.~e2 ~e3~ 11...0-0
We have been following Gulko - Gomez l 1... ®b6!?N also looks good on this move.
Esteban, Pamplona 1996. Black has a slight 12.'ithl?!
initiative, although White did manage to hold. 12.eS!N ®b6 13.ia4 f6 14.exf6 ixf6
Chapter 15 - Grand Prix Attack - 5.ibS 265
l 5.id2 ~c5+ was preferable. Black is ready for ... d5, so White needs to
l 2 ... id7 13.ia4 §'.cS l 4.id2 dxe4 l 5.dxe4 be incisive to avoid falling into a prospectless
CDbS 16.ixd7 ~xd7 17.eS §'.fdS 18.CDg3 position.
~b5+
Black won easily in Mahjoob - Kupreichik, 8.CDxd4!
Kish 2003. An appropriate moment to take on d4, as
Black is forced to recapture with the pawn.
Finally, 7.0-0 is a weaker move order, because
after 7 ... CDe7 8.CDxd4 (8.d3 d5+ is a clear edge 8 ... cxd4
for Black) Black takes back with the bishop on 8 ... ixd4? is unfortunately bad here, because
d4: 8 ... ixd4+! 9.~hl d5 10.ibSt White has 9.CDb5±.
9.~e2 dS
Despite having been lured into ... cxd4,
Black appears to have sufficient counterplay, as
this central thrust forces White to make some
concessions too:
a b c d e f g h
10 ... id7!N (1 O... s:tf8!? l 1.ie2 dxe4 l 2.CDxe4

b6 13.c3 ig7 14.d3 ib7= was approximately
balanced in Dinev - Damljanovic, Skopje
2014, although Black later outplayed his
opponent.) l 1.a4 ixb5 12.axbS 0-0+ Black
has better development, and has targets to pile
up on in the future.
a b c d e f g h
Bl) 7.d3 ~e7
I0 ..ih3
A logical retreat, but at the same time an
admission that any chance for an initiative
has evaporated; the bishop is rather cramped
on b3.
1O.ibStN cj;)f8!?
This is an interesting possibility, in
Damljanovic style, trying to prove that the
b5-bishop is a liability.
1O... id7 is natural and fine for Black after:
11.ixd7+ ~xd7 12.eS f6 13.CDxd4 (l 3.exf6
ixfG+) 13 ... fxeS 14.fxeS ixe5 l 5.CDf3 ig7=
a b c d e f g h
266
computer suggests 11.eS CtJfS 12.0-0 't&b6=,

with a position it evaluates as slighrly better
for Black, but I think it tends to underestimate
the chances of the first player. I consider the
position to be approximately balanced, as we
are a bit static in the centre.
11.dxe4 0-0 12.0-0
a b c d e f g h
We have reached a position that is quite

satisfactory for Black, but it does not offer
many winning chances as White is solid too.
White now has three ways to cope with the
threatened check on aS:
11.'t&d2
White wants to maintain contact with d3,
from where the e4-pawn can be defended.
a) Instead, 11.0-0? is just a blunder on
account of l l...'t&b6 l 2.ia4 dxe4+.
b) l I.id2?! a6!? (l 1...'t&b6 12.ia4 dxe4
13.dxe4 't&xb2 is also worth considering)
12.ia4 bS 13.ib3 dxe4 14.dxe4 ib7t This
underlines the weakness of e4, as the queen
cannot protect it. After l 5.CtJg3, Black
comes up with the typical 15 ... hS!t and has
all the trumps on his side. 12 ... bS!? is an interesting suggestion by
l 1...a6 12.ia4 bS 13.ib3 dxe4 14.dxe4 ib7 the computers. Black intends to follow up
15.'t&d3 't&b6!+ with ... aS, enforcing a line opening on the
Black intends ... 't&c6, when he maintains queenside. Ir seems that Black may have a
good counterplay as e4 can still become the slight pull.
object of serious pressure.
I3JWd3!?
10 ... dxe4 White wants to stop ... ia6.
The move preferred in praxis.
l 3.ctJg3, planning either e4-e5 followed by
1O... aS!? is best answered by l l.ia4 t! id7 CDe4, or f4-f5, allows 13 ... ia6 14.:i;f2 d3!?
12.ixd7t 't&xd7 13.eS f6! l 4.exf6 ixf6 00 , 15.c3 ~d7, when Black stands fine. 16.fS!?
when it's not clear whether the pawn on aS (16.ie3 fS!? 17.exfS ct:JxfS 18.ctJxfS ~hfS+ looks
improves or worsens Black's chances. excellent for Black) 16 ... exf5 17 .exf5 CtJxfS
18.CtJxfS gxfS 19.~hS gae8 20.ih6 ixh6
I0 ... id7!? is a logical move, preparing to take 2 l.~xh6 ~e7! This was Sze!! - Kosanovic,
on e4 and then use the bishop on c6 or bS. The Szekszard 1994, and at this point White should
Chapter 15 - Grand Prix Attack- 5.ib5 267
have bailed our with 22.~xfS!N ~dt 23.Wxd Weaker is the clumsy 8.id3?!, as played in
~hd 2C~dl ge2 2SJ;f2 tg7 26.idS gfeS!= Donadio - Di Pietro, corr. 2009, in view
when the ending is equal in various ways. of the powerful reply 8 .. .f6!N, when in my
opinion Black is already better. Play could
13 ... aS!? 14.ic4 go on 9.0-0 lilxf3t 10.Wxf3 Lile?+, and it is
clear that the d3-bishop obstructs White's
development.
The continuation 8.ibSt id7 9.ixd7t

Wxd7 10.0-0?! (better seems 10.4Jxd4 cxd4,
transposing to variation B22) adopted by
\Xlhite in Kowalczyk - Wozniak, Polanica
Zdroj 2009, is probably best met with:
a b c d e f g h
14 ... i.b7! 15.a4N
l SJ~d 1 was Vasilevich - Gomes, Beijing
(rapid) 2008, and now l 5 ... ~c7N+ looks
best.
a b c d e f g h
l 5.tbg3 ~ks 16.id2 hS! 17.fS h4 18.fxeG f5!+
1O... lilxf3t!?N 11.Wxf3 f6!+ Black has
l 5.b3 ixe4! l 6.1@xe4 d3 n~b 1
1 dxe2 effortlessly obtained a typically good position.
18.Wxe2 Wc7+
B21) 8.exd6 ~xd6
15 .. J:ks 16.b3 i.xe4! 17.~xe4 d3 18J~bl
dxe2 19.~xe2 'l1d5=li
In spite of producing some interesting
positions, this line is at most equal for White.
B2) 7.eS!?
Intending 4Je4, or 4Jxd4 followed by Lil bS.
7 ... dS!
We have reached another split, with White
having to make a difficult choice: B21) 8.exd6
has been the most common reaction in the
past, bur it gives Black a free hand in the
centre. Recently B22) 8.'t1xd4!? has grown in
popularity, and is the main alternative. 9.d3
268
Black can develop his king's knight in two checks on d4.

plausible ways: B211) 9 ... ct:Jf6 or B212)
9 ... ctJe7!?. l l .a4!? should be answered by 11 ... b6!, with
the idea: 12.ctJ b5!?
B211) 9 ... ct:Jf6
This appears to guarantee a small advantage

with the minimum of risk, as e4 is being
covered. In fact, every exchange renders the
c4-bishop even more impotent than it is right
now.
10.0-0
10.ctJ b5?! ctJxb5 11.ixbSt ctJd7! Black
should not exchange his light-squared bishop,
a b c d e f g h
as it has a bright future on the long diagonal.
l 2 ... ctJxf3t!N (12 ... ctJxbS l 3.axb5= was
balanced in Gorozhankina - Nguyen Thi
Mai, Kerner 2009, as White had stabilized the
position of the c4-bishop and even obtained
some pressure against a7.) 13.®xf3 ®b8!
l 4.ctJd6 id7 l 5.ctJe4 ®c7 16.ibS a6+ Black
obtains a small but persistent advantage.
l 1.ctJxd4 allows l l...®xd4t! (l l...cxd4

12.ctJe4=) 12.ciihl b6 13.®f3 gb8 14.ie3
®d7+, and again the onus is on White to seek
a b c d e f g h equality.
12.a4 0-0 13.0-0 a6 14.ic4 b6 15.®el ib7+
Black was clearly better in Vranesevic - Korbut,
Budva 2003, as the c4-bishop has turned into
a spectator, and Black is threatening to shut
it completely out of the game by ... ic6 (or
... ®c6) followed by ... b5.
10.ctJe4 ctJxe4 l 1.dxe4 ®c6+ is preferable for

Black too.
10 ... 0-0
It seems to me that White lacks a constructive
plan.
11.@hl
This move is designed to avoid unpleasant
Chapter 15 - Grand Prix Attack - 5.fb5 269
11 ... a6 allows the extra option: l 2.'L:ixd4N 10. 0-0 0-0 11. 'Li e4
(12.a4 b6 13.'Lle4 ~c7 I 4.c3 'Llxf3 l 5.Wxf3 l 1.£tJxd4?! should be answered by:
ib7+ led to the usual slight edge for Black in l l...1Wxd4t! 12.~hl b6!N 13.1Wf3 (13.'Lle4
Boeller - Purucker, Krumbach 1973, as the ib7 14.c3 1.Wd7 15.a4 £tJf5+/+ is not a
unstable position of the c4-bishop means that significant improvement for White, as he
gradually White will face problems vvith his will soon find himself under heavy pressure
d3-pawn. In addition, the c I-bishop is also on the d-file after moves like .. Jfad8 and
a problematic piece as the pawn on f4 blocks ... 'Lld6.) 13 ... '\Wd7! 14.'\Wxa8 (14.£tJe4 ib7
its activity.) l 2 ... cxd4 (12 ... Wxd4 13.~f3~ l 5.a4 [ l 5.'\Wh3? bS! l 6.ltJxc5 '\Wc7-+]
would allow White to develop with id, l 5 ... ic6!+ also looks bad for White.)
obtaining some sort of momentum) l 3.'Lle4+ 14 ... ib7 15.Wxf8t ~xf8+ The black queen
Black is still slightly better though. seems to be more than a match for the white
rooks, due to the powerful pressure against
12.a4 a6i g2. Once the knight arrives on f5 Black
Black's position is the more comfortable, can toy with the idea ... 'Llh4(d4), and the
in view of the looming pressure on the long c4-bishop seems completely out of play.
diagonal and the lack of prospects for the l 1...Wc7 12.'Llxd4N
c4-bishop. As the reader might have noticed, l 2.c3?! b5! l 3.ib3 was Mariano
\Ve have transposed to Boeller - Purucker in Zambrana, Rio de Janeiro 2011, when best
the above note - a game that was eventually was l 3 ... ltJxf.3t!?N l 4.'\Wxf3 ib7 l 5.°1We2
won by Black. 'Llf5 16.ic2 gfd8+, intending ... b4, with a
sizeable plus for Black.
B212) 9 ... ~e7!?
a b c d e f g h
12 ... ixd4t! 13.ciJhl b6! 14.c3

14.°'~el is also met by 14 ... 'Llf5.
a b c d e f g h 14 ... ig7 15.Wel 'Llf5!+
This move is not to be dismissed lightly as Black is slightly better, as White has run out
the knight heads for the extremely appealing of ideas.
f5-square, from where it can operate at
maximum capacity. Black seems to be dictating 10 .. J&c7 l 1.~xd4
events here too. l l.c3 £tJxf3t 12.Wxf.3 id7 is better for
Black, for example: l 3.'\Wf2!? (After 13.0-0
I like the unrested 13 ... ic6!N 14.'\We2 b5
270 2. CD c3 CD cG
l 5.ib3 0-0+ with the better game for Black, 13 .. .tbfS 14.a4 i,d7 15.'We2 i,c6=i=
bur other methods of play are also viable.) The second player has reached the ideal
13 ... b6 (interesting is 13 ... b5!?N 14.ib3 c4 configuration and has lasting pressure. If
l 5.dxc4 0-0 l 6.c5 b4!?~) 14.0-0 ic6 l 5.a4 White tries to just "stick", an idea could be
ctif5 l 6.ib3 h5! 17.Ei'.el E!'.d8 l 8.ctig5 0-0+ ... E!'.fd8 followed by a timely ... ctie3 jump.
Black went on to exploit his advantage m
Hebden - Chandler, Brighton 1980. B22) 8.Cbxd4!?
a b c d e f g h
11...cxd4! This may well be the best move.
Unnecessary is l I...ixd4?! l 2.c3 ig7
13.ib5t!, when Black will either have to 8 ... cxd4 9.i,bSt i,d7 IO.i,xd7t 'Wxd7
forfeit castling or lose a pawn. White has succeeded in exchanging his
rather problematic light-squared bishop.
12.0-0 0-0 13.i,d2
Black will have long-term pressure on 11.CtJe2 f6! 12.CtJxd4!
the a8-hl diagonal and strong points for l 2.exf6 ixf6 l 3.d3 (13.0-0 d3! l 4.cxd3
his knight, so the position is better for him. ctie7+ is probably better for Black, as his
A possible follow-up is: knight will plunge to either c6 or f5, leaving
White completely stuck with his queenside
development.) l 3 ... ctie7 14.0-0 E!'.c8!+ Black
has fine counterplay and the better long-term
chances, as c2 is feeble and e3 is a potential
weakness.
12 ... fxeS 13.fxeS i,xeS 14.CtJf3 i,g? 15.0-0

CtJf6 16.d4
16.~e20-017.d3E!'.ae818.ie3e5! 19.ic5
gf7 20.ctig5 ~c7! 21.ixa7 b6 22.ctixf7 ~xf7
23.d4 ~xa7 00 led to a complicated position
that was not worse for Black in Van der Merwe
- Azarya, Albena 2014.
Chapter 15 - Grand Prix Attack- 5.!bS 271
8 ~-
7 r~,•~•-.,q
6 /,,,~
%'23-
sR RiR R.
., •••
~i__ //, _... -.

.w~
i~
///@;
!g7 24.~xg7 mxg7 25.lt~eS ~xfl t 26.axfl
Wf e8 27.Wf a3
As in Sorroche Lupion - V. Kalashnikov,
corr. 2001. I think the most accurate now is:
4 R ~- .R R
3 R R RtZ)R/,. -~
2 r::/tj~R •~rfl
~~~\UXJ~ R
r~
I~-~~, '
~§~§?~
;«';
~-;%'.
a b c d e f g h
16 ... 0-0 17.!f4!?
l 7.4Je5 makes less sense in view of the
simple l 7 ... Wd6+. Black will follow up with
... 4Je4, obtaining a comfortable game.
17 .. .'Lle4 18.!eS !h6!? 19.'\Mf d3

The chances seem to be approximately
balanced. We will follow a correspondence
game for a short while: C) 6.CDxd4 cxd4 7.CtJe2
19 ... bS This is the most direct attempt at refutation
I think that a more Aexible way of preventing of Black's set-up. The disadvantage is the
c2-c4 is l 9 ... ~a4~?N+±, or even l 9 ... 1g'c6N positioning of the bishop on b5.
20.E&ae 1 :Sac8+±. In both cases Black maintains
access to a4 for his queen, to annoy \X/hite on 7 ... 'Llf6!
rhe queenside. Perhaps the only move to equalize, hitting
rhe e4-pawn when White cannot protect it
20.aael afS 21.h4! aaf8 22.g4! a5f7 23.gS with d2-d3.
272
White has two ways to deal with the threat

to e4: Cl) 8.eS and C2) 8.~d3.
8.d3?? would be a horrible blunder in view of

8 ... WaSt-+.
Cl) 8.eS
Black has got what he wants - the white centre

will now be the object of attack with ... d6.
a b c d e f g h
s .. .tDdS 16 ... Wd4! 17.ct'lf2 geSt 18.~fl ifS 19.idl
Already White is the one struggling to ge7 20.g3 id7 2 l .~xb7 gae8 22.if3 ge2!-+
equalize. Cl 1) 9.c4?! doesn't seem like a Bryzgalin - Filippov, Smolensk 1997.
satisfactory answer, while Cl2) 9.c3! is a
better try. 10 ... 0-0 l l.~a4
l l.ct'lf3 d6 (11...ct'lxbS 12.cxbS d6~ is also
Cl 1) 9.c4?! ~c7! appealing, as Black's two bishops, the light-
squared one in particular, are ready to target
White's weaknesses.) l 2.d4 ct'lxbS 13.cxbS
Wast 14.,i>f2 WxbS 1S.We2 WdS 16.ie3 id7
17.ghcl gfcS l 8.b3 aS l 9Jhc8t gxc8 20.gcl
gxcl 21.Zixcl bS 22.Wc2 icG+
a b c d e f g h
10.~xd4 I stood excellently in Gelashvili - Kotronias,

10.ia4? d3! l l.ct'lc3 0-0+ leaves White Kavala 2007, although I failed to convert the
exposed in view of his backward development. advantage into something tangible and the
A practical example continued: 12.ct'le4 d6 game was eventually drawn. Perhaps reversing
13.exdG exd6 l 4.Wf3 dS l S.cxdS WxdS the line-up of pieces on the long diagonal
16.ib3 with 22 ... Wb7!?N would have given me more
possibilities at this point, but with so many
tempting options it was difficult to decide
which one was the most accurate.
l l...d6 1VtJf3 14.d4 lt:Je6 15.dSN

Black is doing fantastically well, provided l 5.ie3?! Wast 16.id2 Wc7 l 7.ic3?!
he discovers the right idea to put the enemy '.~bdS+ was terrible for White in Jelica -
centre under pressure: Millier, Rijeka 2009.
15 ... ixf.3 l 6.gxf3 'Llc5 l 7.ic2 ixe5 l 8.f4 ig7+
With an advantage for Black, although the
bishop pair offers White some saving chances.
13.d4 ctJe6 14.~e3 ~xf3!

The point: White must retake with the pawn
to avoid losing the a4-bishop.
15.gxf3 ~h6!i
Black has more than enough compensation
for the pawn, thanks to White's weakened
pawn structure and his insecure king.
a b c d e f g h Cl2) 9.c3!
12 ... ~g4!N
1he plan is to follow up with ... lt:Je6-d4.
White is under heavy pressure.
Also possible is:

12 ... dxeS!? 13.fxeS ig4!
Afrerthe tempting 13 ... ~d3?! 14.We2! if5 it
is not clear that Black has full compensation
for the pawn. 15.id 1! Getting himself
ready for b2-b3. (Weaker is 15.~xd3? ixd3
l 6.b3 a6!+ and the a4-bishop is exposed.)
l 5 ... lt:Je6 16.ihd3 ixd3 17.b3 g5!? (17 .. .f6?
18.ib2 fxe5 19.ixe5 2'.xf.3 20.ixg7±;
17 ... fS 18.h4!?) 1S.ib2;t If equality exists,
it has to be by some accurate manoeuvring This is the logical reaction, opting for
which I haven't been able to discover. freedom in the centre and aiming to open up
lines for the c I -bishop.
9 ... 0-0!
Black simply ignores his opponent and
develops, as raking on d4 is not a real option
5
/
fj for White.
4 ~ fj , j_
3 ltJ 10:~h3!?
2 88 8 88 The critical move, and the one employed by
strong players. The idea is to force the knight
M .~°if.~ M
a b C d e f g h
274
away from d5 or create a weakening of Black's 13.~c4

dark squares. However, with correct play Black This is probably not the best reply, but
still stands fine. I have promoted it to be our main line for
instructional reasons. Alternatively:
Much weaker are 10.4Jxd4 d6+ or 1O.cxd4
d6~. In both cases Black has the more pleasant l 3.d3?! is just bad due to l 3 ... fxe5 l 4.fxe5
game. gxflt 15.~xfl dxe5 16.dxe5 fxe5 17.d4
ig7+. Black has recovered his pawn with the
10 ... e6! better game.
With two pawn breaks (... d6 and .. .f6)
in reserve, it seems like the best solution to l 3.exd6 is strongly answered by l 3 ... f5!
maintain the knight in the centre. (13 ... ~xd6 14.f5! gxf5 15.ic4 ttJb6 16.d3
~h8 l 7.id2 00 produces a mess that could be a
Instead, 10 ... 4Jc7 l l.4Jxd4 d6 l 2.ttJf3 4Jxb5 bit better for White) 14.~a3 id7 l 5.ic4 ic6
13.~xb5 dxe5 14.fxe5 f6 as played in Pachman I 6.d3 g£7t, and it is obvious that Black has
- Najdorf, Leipzig (ol) 1960, is perhaps not so seized the initiative.
good due to l 5.d4N±.
Finally, l 3.exf6 is probably best.
11.cxd4
At this point White has nothing better than
to take the pawn.
l l .c4?! proved much better for Black after

l l...4Jc7 12.ia4? d6 13.exd6 ~xd6 14.d3 a6
l 5.~c2 b5 l 6.ib3 bxc4 l 7.ixc4 ib7 l 8.4Jg3
ttJd5+ in Wademark - Persson, corr. 1996.
s :i•.ts ~~••
•~ /,,,,/, /,,,,,Y,
ri%iRiRi~i a b c d e f g h
1
6 % ",£n rn-,tn l 3 ... ~xf6!N (l 3 ... ixf6 I 4.ic4 4Jc7 l 5.a4
<iihS I 6.~f3± was better for White in Fries
sRilR'IJ~ R Nielsen- N. Nielsen, Denmark 2007.) 14.~f3
3·'b~•"•""-~
R ~ ~ • (l 4.ic4 4Je7+; l 4.d3 4Je7+) l 4 ... a6 l 5.ic4
4 ttJb4 16.b3 4Jc2 17.gb} 4Jxd4 18.~e3 ttJf5
2
1 if
r~~•br~
~~,~ ~
ftj ~;,~,J ~~
-
l 9.~b6 ~d8 20.~xdS gxd8 21.ib2= The
computer shows equality, but I think that
almost any strong player would favour the
black position, as it is the easier one to handle
a b c d e f g h in a practical game.
11...d6 12.0-0 f6!
Black strikes immediately at the white centre,
13 ... fxeS! 14.~xdS exdS 15.\WxdSt <iihs
trying to open up the position to exploit the
16.dxeS!
16.fxe5? gxfl t 17.~xfl ~h4+
undeveloped state of the c I-bishop.
Chapter 15 - Grand Prix Attack- 5.ib5 275
8 ... \Wb6
Not only protecting the pawn but also
creating veiled tactical problems for White on
the a7-g 1 diagonal.
White has a choice of three moves: C21) 9.h3,

C22) 9.0-0 and C23) 9.a4.
9.e5?!
Once more this is rather premature.
9 ... CtJd5+
With the idea of ... d6. Play could continue
a b c d e f g h as follows:
1O.c3 dxc3 l l .bxc3!?
16 ... ig4! I 7J:'1:el dxeS 18.\WxdS gaxd8
l l.dxc3 CtJe3+
19 .fxeS ixeS
l 9 ... :§:d3!?N is an interesting alternative.
20.d4 ~g7 21.~e3 ~de8 22.CtJc3 gxe3

23.gxe3 ~xd4 24.gael ~d7i
Black was, if anything, slightly better in
Campora - Gomez Esteban, Seville 1993. 1he
experienced Argentinian GM held on to draw,
but obviously the bishop is stronger than the
knight, as the beast has no stable point to settle
in the centre.
a b c d e f g h
C2) 8.~d3
l l ... d6!N
But not 11...gS?! l 2.!e4! CtJxf4 l 3.CtJxf4
gxf4 l 4.d4 d6 l 5.exd6 ®xdG 16.0-0 e5
17.gbl! ®c7 18.dxeS !xe5 19.®hS! !d6
20.c;tih 1!+- with a crushing advantage
for White in Nordal - Jenkinson, corr.
2000.
12.:§:b 1
l 2.ic4 CtJc7 l 3.t~a4 t!? (13.d4?! ®c6
14.®b3 0-0 15.0-0 bS! 16.!d3 !e6+)
13 ... t~c6 (13 ... id7?! 14.ixf7t!) 14.®xc6t
bxc6 l 5.exd6 exd6 l 6.!a3 c5+ This is a bit
better for Black, as the white pawn on f4
makes an ugly impression.
a b c d e f g h
l 2 ... Wc7 13.Wb3 CtJb6 14.exd6 ®xd6 15.ibSt
The most loaical
::, reaction, avoidina::, ·:;tf8 16.ia3 Wc7 17.0-0 !e6+
overextension.
276
11.lb2!
White shouldn't get distracted by the
tempting l 1.a4, intending either a4-a5 or
lb5t, as then 11...f6! 12.aS ®c7 13.ibSt
~f7 00 gives Black strong counterplay.
1 l ... lg4
Now White employs an astonishingly simple
idea:
5
4
3
The natural looking 9.c3 is well met by: 2
9 ... dxc3 10.dxc3 ctJg4 l l.ctJd4 ixd4 12.cxd4
®xd4+ Black had an excellent game and went
a b c d e f g h
on to win comfortably in Herzenstein - Struk,
Hamburg 2001. 12.fxe4!
12.0-0? ctJc3! l 3.lxc3 dxc3t 14.~h 1 cxd2
C2I) 9.h3 15.®xd2 0-0oo
12 ... dxe4 13.h3! fxe2 14.®xe2±
Black is unable to protect his pawns.
14 .. .fS 15.exf6 ®xf6 16.®bSt!
16.®xe4?! ®h4t 17.~dl 0-0 18.ixd4
ixd4 19.®xd4 Ei'.ad8 20.®c4t gf7 21.~cl
®xf4 22.®xf4 gxf4~
16 ... ~f7
16 ... ®c6 l 7.®xc6t bxc6 18.0-0+- is
winning for White, as gae 1 will cash in a
vital pawn.
17.0-0±
It is clear that White has won the opening
battle, as Black has too many weaknesses.
10.~b2 eS 11.0-0 0-0

Now Black threatens to take on e4.
9 ... d6!
12.@hl ~g4!
9 ... d5? 1O.e5 ctJe4
Once more the idea ... ctJh5 is on the cards.
The knight is strongly placed, but it turns
out that the weakness of the d4-pawn is
13.'\Wel
more important
l 3.h3? is just a blunder on account of I7.~e2 ~eS I8.~g3 ~xd3 19.~xd3 ~bS!
l 3 ... ixe2 l 4.Wxe2 lilh5+. 20.c4 ~xc4 2I.bxc4 ~xb2 22.El:ffl ~b4
23JHc1 ~cS+
Black was a pawn to the good and clearly
better in Ozsvath - Vasiukov, Havana 1967.
C22) 9.0-0 d6!
a b c d e f g h
13 .. JfacS! I4.~g3 ~d7 1S.c3?!
White loses patience and weakens his position.
Interesting is: l 5.a4N a5!? ( 15 ... mes 16.a5
Wc7 17.fxe5 dxeS 18.ic4oc leads to a position
with mutual weaknesses as f7 is somewhat
a b c d e f g h
weak, but on the other hand the g3-knight can Black simply wants to protect the pawn on
easily turn out to be a liability.) l 6.h3 (l 6.f5?! d4 with ... e5 in order to free his queen. Other
d5 l 7.exd5 lilxd5+) l6 ... mes 00 Black has some moves are not so good:
pressure against e4, but White is probably
not worse. Another possibility for the second For example, 9 ... d5?! 10.e5 lile4 l l.a4!± is
player is 16 .. Jk7!?. slightly better for White, as the d4-pawn
has become vulnerable due to the possibility
1S ... exf4 I6.El:xf4 ~g4! of a4-a5. Less clear would be l l .lilg3 lilxg3
Grasping the opportunity to improve the l 2.hxg3 !f5 00 •
knight, by transferring it to the fine e5-square.
9 ... lilxe4 seems like an obvious way of
continuing, but after 10.ixe4 d3t 11.ciihl
dxe2 12.Wxe2 0-0 13.c3!± White has chances
for a tiny edge, as d2-d4 cannot be stopped.
10.c;t>h1
The universally adopted move. White rules
out tactics on the a7-gl diagonal and can now
play c2-c3 according to circumstance.
1O.lilg3?!
This is too anti-positional.
10 ... h5!
a b c d e f g h
278
I0 ... 4Jd7!? also looks good. 18 ... d5!!

11.a4 Black has obtained a pleasant initiative, as
11.ct:Jh 1 ct:Jd7 12.ct:Jf2 ctJc5 l 3.ic4 d3! the following lines indicate:
14.cxd3 ie6t 19.ixd3
11...h4! 12.ct:JhlN Probably the lesser evil, although even in this
The lesser evil. case Black's pressure persists.
l 2.ctJe2?! occurred in Mossong - Massana, Instead, 19.exd5? ig420.~el h3---+ is close to
Novi Sad (ol) 1990, and here Black could lost for White, as he is totally uncoordinated
have obtained a serious advantage with: and his king is badly exposed.
12 ... h3 13.g3 ig4 1Hm a6 15.~el id7 After 19.cxd3 Black should play the accurate
16.a5 ~b4 17.b3 ct:Jg4 lSJ:m f5!+ 19 ... c;iJgS! 20.ct:Jxd5 ixd5 2I.exd5 ~d4
22.h3 a6 23.ic4 ct:Jxd3 24.ixd3 ~xd3+,
when his advantage is obvious.
19 ... h3!
Black should not miss his chance to expose
the white king.
20.g3
The only move.
12 ... e5!
Black should avoid a blockade of the
kingside.
12 ... ig4?! 13.~el h3 14.g3 00 is unclear.
White can expand on the queenside and try
to bring the knight back into play on f2 at an
appropriate moment.
13.fxe5 ct'lg4! 14.ct:Jf2 ct'lxe5 15.ib5t ciif8
16. ctJ d3 ie6 17. ctJ f4 d3 t 18. cii h 1
10.~el
Black has two good options:
10 ... 0-0
Postponing ... ctJ d 7 -c5 to keep the idea
... ctJxe4 in hand.
The immediate 1O... ct:Jd7!? is also possible,
for instance: l l .a4! ctJc5!N ( 11 ... 0-0?! l 2.a5!
~c7 13.b4!±) 12.ib5t id7 13.ixd7t
ct:Jxd7 14.d3 ~c5 15.~dl Bc8 16.id2 0-0
Chapter 15 - Grand Prix Attack - S.ibS 279
(16 .. .f5!?) 17Jkl ~c6 18.b3 e6!? Planning l l .a4 As the reader may have already realized,
.. .f5. 19.f5 exf5 20.exf5 :Sfe8 21.CDg3 CDf6~ this move is typical in these positions. White
With an excellent position for Black. wants to harass the defender of the d4-pawn
l l .a4 and gain space on the queenside. l l...e5!?
11.~hl 4Jd7 12.ic4 Wb4! 13.d3 '1-~xel \Xie have reached a double-edged position.
14.:Sxel 4Jb6 15.ib3 ie6= A sample line is:
8
7
6
5
4 fj
3
2
/M
a b C d e f g h a b c d e f g h
l l ... 4Jxe4! 12.b3 :Se8 13.ib2 id7 14.~el ic6 15.fxeS
Weaker is l l. .. a5!? 12.::thl!, when the dxe5 16.CDgl! (16.~h4? ~d8+) 16 ... ~c7
intended c2-c3 seems to clarify the position l 7.CDf3 h6= With a balanced game that is rich
in White's favour, e.g. l 2 ... 4Jd7 l 3.ic4t or in possibilities for both sides.
l 3.ib5t.
12.ixe4 d3t 13.~hl dxe2 14.~xe2 e6= 11.'gi e 1 prepares c2-c3 by moving the queen
With a typically good situation for Black out of a potential ... ig4 pin. However, after
as White cannot achieve the formation with the accurate l l...4Jd7 l 2.ic4 ~b4! l 3.d3
c2-c3 and d2-d4 which he could get earlier on ~xel 14.:Sxel 4Jb6= Black stands fine in the
(Black reacts to c2-c3 with ... d5-d4). resulting endgame, as we already know.
1O.a4 0-0 should have no independent 11...ig4! 12.~el

significance unless \Xlhite plays 11.aS?'. Black now has two interesting possibilities:
(instead, 11.\Wel transposes to 10.Wel above).
ll1en ll...~c5 12.::thl b5!~ is good for
Black, who can organize pressure against e4 by
8 i.
putting his bishop on b 7.
6
10 ... 0-0
Black is now ready for either ... ~d7-c5 or 5
... e5, all according to circumstance. 4
11.c3
3
This logical moYe is also the most frequently 2
played.
a b c d e f g h
280
I2 .. .CtJd7!? 13 ... ~xd4 14.cxd4 °1Wxd4 15.~bl!

Probably best. 15.~g3? lLlcS 16.ib1 ie2!+ is almost
lost for White, as the upcoming ... id3 will
12 ... ixe2 13.~xe2 ctJd7 (l 3 .. Jhc8N!?) completely bust his queenside development.
14.ic4 gac8 15.cxd4 ~xd4 16.d3 ctJb6
l 7.ib3 aS!? 18.a3! (l 8.ie3 ~b4=)
%% t2:/ :,~: ~/'M

8 . . ~ . ~. ~·· ... t~~~~
1
6
•1• r~l~I
"~J'i"~i
\fg{/ /,~~{
~. ::•::- :;:;fa • ~2%
2~ .. ~~· . ~) ;~~
3~~-8-.
5 [~
4
2
1
.•
.M.@
~~
~
~. •Vi.8f~
~
... ~...
~8~~
~?%
•
a b c d e f g h
18 ... ctJd7!? 19.gbl ~b6! 20.ic4 e6 21.b4 a4!?

This may not be so good due to 22.fS!?N±.
(22.~dl ?! ~c6 23.bS ~cS 24.fS dS gave Black
good counterplay in Teran Alvarez - Cardenas,
Murcia 1997.)
16 .. .CD cS 17 .h3 ~d7~
Black's excellent centralization means that he
stands well in spite of White's bishop pair.
C23) 9.a4
a b c d e f g h
13.~xd4!N
13.ctJgl? ctJcS 14.ie2 id7! 15.d3 fS!?+
was better for Black in Montoro - Hase,
Villa Ballester 2003, but even stronger is a b c d e f g h
l 5 ... ~a6!N+, when Black's advantage is close
In most of the above lines the move a2-a4 was
to reaching decisive proportions.
instrumental in White's quest for counterplay,
Chapter 15 - Grand Prix Attack - 5.ib5 281
so it makes sense to examine what happens in

case of the immediate a2-a4, planning to evict
the queen from the defence of d4.
s
7
1.•.t~••
~. ~s
fliB . , . ,
/,,,,;,; • . /,,,,,Y,
9 ... d6!
6 B •
%~ ~. . ,a.
~.,,,,.
To both protect the pawn on d4 by ... eS 5 •
'.~ •
:Wd: ~ .
/ ,,,,%. .%w
and prepare the manoeuvre .. .Clld7-c5, as we 4 ~
a ~~~~
r,,J r,,J ~
a
already know.
Instead, 9 ... 0-0 1O.aS V!lc7 11.0-0 d6 3B B~B B
12.4Jxd4! (12.b4 eS 13.ib2 ig4!+ is fine for
Black, as the impending ... ct:JhS will augment
the pressure) 12 ... 4Jxe4 l 3.ixe4 ixd4t
14.c;t>hl id7 15.c3 ig7 16.d4± is slightly
better for White, who has a solid position.
2
~-}
•
~~ a
a
.~
b
a
BM •v~
~ r~l:ZJ• ~ r~
c
/,,,,/,
d
L.}
e
~.
f g
;,;,,,,/,
h
14 ... 0-0!N
The premature 14 ... ct:JhS?! allowed White to
1O.aS!? V!ff cS! mount some kingside pressure after l 5.ixg7
1O...V!lc7 is again not the best, due to 4Jxg7 16.0-0 0-0 17.fS!? eS 18.V!i e 1~ in
1 l.4Jxd4! 4Jxe4 l 2.ixe4 ixd4 13.c3 ifG Perelshteyn - Faulks, Mermaid Beach 1997.
l 4.d4± with a slight edge for White.
I5.El:a4!?
White can now try the aggressive C231) This rook lift is aesthetic and appears best.
11.h4!? or the calmer C232) l 1.h3.
15.0-0?! ig4! 16.V!iel ixe2 l 7.V!lxe2 ct:Jd7
C231) 11.h4!? l 8.ixg7 ~xg7+ is better for Black, as he is
a pawn up and White does not have serious
attacking chances.
15.ixd4
This can be answered strongly with:
l 5 ... ig4 16.ic3
16.ie3?! !xe2! l 7.~xe2 (l 7.V!lxe2 4Jxe4t)
17 ... eS!?t is hardly impressive for White as
his king is exposed.
An interesting sacrificial possibility to

enliven the struggle.
11. ..Vfffxb4 12.ia3 V!ff xaS 13.ixd6 V!ff dB 14.ieS

l11is is the idea, to have a strongly centralized
bishop pressurizing d4.
a b c d e f g h
282
16 ... it'lhS! 17.ixg7 ct'lxg7 18.h3 The game is approximately level, with
18.0-0 ct'le6! l 9.h3 ixe2 20.ixe2 (20.~xe2 excellent active play for Black.
ct'lxf4!-+) 20 ... ~d4t 21.~hl ~xe4 22.if3
~ d4+ is a tiny edge for Black in view of his C232) 1I.b3
well-centralized forces and outside passed
pawn.
18 ... fd7! 00
Reaching a complicated posmon where
Black's chances are by no means inferior.
15 ... aS!
Black mobilizes his main asset.
16.°IMfal
l 6.axd4 ~b6 17.it'lc3 a4! 18.ct'lxa4 axa4
l 9.axa4 ct:'lg4 20.afl ixe5 2 l.fxe5 ct'lxh2
22.af2 ct:'lg4 is at least a draw for Black.
16 .. .'tJhS The more reserved course.

With the queen diverted to a 1 White does
not enjoy serious attacking chances on the 11...0-0 12.~b2
kingside, so this move is better now than it was By attacking d4 White wants to tempt his
in the Perelshteyn game above. opponent into ... e5, weakening himself along
the a3-f8 diagonal. At this juncture, Black
17.~xg7 ll)xg7 18.0-0 ~g4! 19.ll)xd4 should use a slightly more daring way than
19.axd4 ~b6 20.ab] ~a7 21.~fl ixe2t usual to secure counterplay:
22.ixe2 ct'le6+±
12 ... ll)hS!? 13.0-0 ~g4
This weird combination of moves seems to
work here.
14.a6
14.~el f5!? 00 highlights a weakness of the
f4-pawn.
14 ... bS 15.b4! 't.Wb6 16.~aS ~d7 17.fS eS

18.g4 ctJf6 19.gS
We have been following Smithers - Wepener,
corr. 1997, and at this point I prefer:
Chapter 15 - Grand Prix Attack - 5.irlb5 283
to surround the bishop with his pawns and

render it inactive.
White can retreat with either Dl) 7.~d3!?
or D2) 7.~c4.
Dl) 7.~d3!?
a b c d e f g h
19 .. .Cthe4!N 20.~xe4 d3t 21.~d4 dxc2
22.'I.Wxc2 exd4 23.'I.Wd3 ~xfS 24.~xfS gxfS
25.~xa8 ~xa8 26.~xbS 'I.Wc6 27.~xfS ~e8=
With approximate equality.
D) 6.0-0!?
7 ... d6 8.~xd4 cxd4 9.~e2 ~f6

White's main plan is to free himself by
c2-c3, obtaining a preponderance in the centre.
a b c d e f g h
The overall impression is that White's 6th
move alternatives give Black a pleasant game,
so we will now proceed to have a look at
the more topical 6.0-0. Leaving the bishop
to its fate, White trusts that time is more
important in this position than any dogmatic
considerations.
6 ... a6!
Black, lI1 turn, refrains from taking the
bishop. His strategy is much more subtle:
284 2}tk3 t2lc6
1O.t2lxd4?? is an awful blunder as 1O... ~b6 on e4, so Black should have no problems.
l l .c3 e5-+ wins a piece. l 2.f5!? Possibly the only way to make
something out of taking with the d-pawn.
I0.b3 12 ... ~b6t (12 ... b5!? looks like a decent
One could argue that this position compares alternative) 13.~hl id7 Now Black is ready
favourably with 6.Cthd4 cxd4 7.ctie2 ctif6 to put e4 under pressure by ... id7-c6, which
8.id3 ~b6 9.b3, but here Black can omit explains White's next. l 4.ctid4 e5!? Clear-
the move ... ~b6. cut play, leading to an equal position. This
was Stolz - Tyutyunnik, corr. 2014, which
ended in a draw after an interesting struggle.
11. .. 0-0 l 2.ic2
Reaching a kind of tabiya for the Grand Prix
Attack, with White possessing a pawn centre
that he would like to put into motion.
l 2 ... b5 13,gb 1
10 ... 0-0!
White has a terrible minus score in the
database in this line, with one typical
example being:
l I.ib2 e5 12.~el b5 13.a4 bxa4!?
I prefer l 3 ... ib7! l 4.fxe5 dxe5 l 5.ia3 ge8
Cooper - Ward, corr. 2014, when 16.axb5
can be met by 16 ... ~b6!+. 13 ... ~c7!
14.gxa4 ib7 15.ctig3 'lld7 16.gal?! Putting pressure on c3 in advance(!), as
16.fxe5!N ctic5 }7.gxd4 ixe5 18.ic3 White should try sooner or later to advance
ixd4 t l 9.ixd4 ctixd3 20.cxd3 f6 looks at his d-pawn. The bishop remains on c8 for
least equal for White after either 2 l .h4~ or now, as it might be useful on g4 if White
2I.ctih5!? gxh5 22.~g3t ©h8 23.gxf6 ~xf6 resorts to d2-d3 (or d2-d4) without the
24.~xd6. prophylactic h2-h3.
16 ... exf4 l 7.gxf4 ie5 18.gf3 f5t 14.h3
Black had some initiative, which he After l 4.d3 ig4! l 5.id2 ctih5! l 6.d4 e5
eventually converted, in Quillan - McShane, l 7.fxe5 dxe5 l 8.ie3 gac8t Black's idea
West Bromwich 2004. becomes clear - the white centre is under
fire.
10.c3 14 ... ib7
This 1s White's other main idea - to l 4 ... ~c4!? is also possible.
immediately liquidate the black centre. l 5.d3 ctid7
1O... dxc3 l l .bxc3 This formation looks harmonious for Black,
l l.dxc3 leaves White with a weak pawn as the f-pawn might be thrown forward to
contest control of the centre. 11 ... 0-0!?

16.fe3 !t:lc5! Simply ignoring the pressure looks like an
So as to discourage a2-a4. interesting possibility.
17.cj;Jh 1 L-
17.fS d5! 18.ixc5 ~xcSt l 9.d4 ~bG! 20.e5? 1 l...dxc3

fxes= This is also possible, for example:
l 2.dxc3
8 .i White leaves himself with a weak e-pawn.
7 12.bxc3!? 0-0 13.ic2 Otherwise Black
might play ... d5. 13 ... ~c7! 00 A good square
6
for the queen when this central formation
5
arises, with a playable position for Black.
12 ... 0-0 13.~e l
13.f5?! dS 14.exd5 ~xd5 15.fxgG hxgG
16.ct'lg3 happened in T.L. Petrosian -
Gagunashvili, Istanbul 1998, and here
16 ... ieGN 17.~e2 £fad8 18.ic2 ~cG
a b c d e f g h
l 9.ib3 ixb3 20.axb3 ct'lh7!+, intending to
17 .. .fS!oc advance .. .f5, is simply better for Black.
Black has fine counterplay on both long l 3 ... b5 14.a4!?
diagonals. 14.~g3 exf4 15.!t:lxf4 ib7+
10 ... eS
After 10 ... l:tld7 White should probably deny
his opponent the cS-square by 11.b4!? 0-0
12.ib2 e5x, when an unclear position arises.
11.c3
An important juncture has been reached,
as Black must decide how to deal with the
pressure on his d4-pawn.
After 11 ... 0-0 Black's results in practice have

been encouraging, as White is facing problems
with his development.
a b c d e f g h
286 2. ctJ c3 ltJ c6
12.cxd4 exd4 13.~c2 D2) 7.~c4 e6

l 3.b3?! ge8 l 4.ttlg3 h5! l 5.ib2 ig4
16.Wb I h4 l 7.Cue2 ixe2 l 8.ixe2 cuxe4-+
was winning for Black in Roberts - McDonald,
Budapest 2003.
a b c d e f g h 8.d3
13 ... d3! 8.ltlxd4 cxd4
A splendid sacrifice, freezing White's 8 ... ixd4t!?N 9.~hl b5 (9 ... CUe7 I0.Wf3!?±)
queenside development. I0.ie2 ib7+ is also possible, and may well
be best, as the b7-bishop is quite strong.
I4.~xd3 El:e815.~c3 hS! I6.a3~g4! 17.Wfc2 9.ltle2 d5! 10.exdS exd5 l I.id3!
l 7.Wb3 gc8 18.ib 1 tuh5 gives Black a
8 ~ ~j A .illli.jf~. • ~~i
dangerous attack. a ;;J% i ?~: '§' ff:-/3:: w;aJ r~
~~,~ & j?j
7 ~i{:3 t::f;i~ & fA.j &
,,:;(:;~ A ;~~ A
A /~;/~/~/
6 ,~~ ~@ii~
JJ?~t
5 >~:;%;?; f?:%
/(,/j'_;;;, A tt;i/;
& ;;, /,;,;; ~;;:/j;
m/'//
e, / 1&; 1A;/ ,;;//,:,,
4
3 1:~ @:~ m,/ ;;;}/
t•i
!+,/ ~/:;
ru~/ /%/, i;l:{i
%@ ~~?, dib //Jj~ f/~1
2 tJ t!$ tJ rt!iliJ~@ tJ JIS!i

Ir,= ~~~~M~
a b c d e f g h
l I...tuf6!N 12.b3
12.ltlxd4 ltle4 13.c3 Wb6 is at least equal for
Black.
12 ... lue4 13.ib2 Wb6 14.a4 0-0 15.aS Wa7
16.~hl
16J:h4 ltlc3
16 ... id7
Black enjoys tremendous activity for his
Chapter 15 - Grand Prix Attack- 5.ibS 287
doubled cl-pawns, and in my view is certainly 14.ib3 ie6!

not worse. Solidifying Black's stance in the centre and
thus guarding against f4-f5 ideas.
8 .. .ltJe7! Weaker are both 14 ... hS 15.fS!? and 14 ... aS
Black has almost completed development 15. ltJ g3 ! h 5 16 JS! ltJ xfS 17. ltJ xfS ixfS
and is ready to bust the bishop by ... dS, so 18.gxfS! gxfS 19.WxhS~.
White must make his decision. I 5.ltig3 Wd7t
Having bolstered f5, Black can look forward
9.CDxd4
to a better game.
9.a4?!
Leading to a worse position for White, as the
c4-bishop becomes a bad piece:
9 ... dS! 1O.ia2 0-0 l l .4Jxd4!?
11.stih 1 bS! 12.'Dxd4N (12.axbS? axbS
13.'Dxd4 cxd4 14.'Lle2 dxe4 l 5.dxe4 ib7
16.iWd3 was Hernandez - Gulko, Merida
1999, and now 16 .. Jfa6!N+ seems to give
White huge problems, as the queen is
coming to a8 to embarrass White both on
e4 and a2.) 12 ... cxd4 13.'Lle2 dxe4 14.dxe4
bxa4!+ White does not have enough for the
pawn, e.g. 15.'Llg3 Wc7 16.We2 id7 and
... ibS is an awkward threat to meet.
a b c d e f g h
11 ... cxd4 12.'Lle2 id7!
12 ... dxe4?! 13.dxe4 iWb6 14.Vfid3!± 9... ~xd4t!
13.exdS Now taking with the bishop looks like a
l 3.cug3 dxe4 14.dxe4 Wb6! is a typical line good option for Black, because the check gains
where White is kept under pressure, because time for the development of the queenside.
1S.·iih l ixa4 16.fS exfS 17.exfS ibS! seems
to deny him real compensation for the pawn. An example of what can go wrong for Black
is 9 ... cxd4 10.'Lle2 0-0 11.Wel d5 12.ib3
dxe4 13.dxe4 id7 14.iWf2 ibS 15.gdl
ixe2 16.Wxe2 Wb6 l7,gd3 4Jc6 18.id2 aS
l 9.a4 ltJ b8 20.m1 ltJd7 21.fS, when White
eventually prevailed in Cvak - Hildebrand,
corr. 2014.
10.~hl bS!
Black should develop his bishop on the long
diagonal as quickly as possible, to minimize
the effects of f4-f5.
a b c d e f g h
13 ... exdS!~ ll.~b3 ~b7

\Xie have a situation ,\·here \X'hite is hard- Planning ... fS: the opening struggle is
pressed to jusri~· his strategy. reaching a climax.
288
13 ... ~ c7! Planning .. .f5, when Black still

has the more pleasant position. After l 4.a4
f5 15.eS 0-0 he will look to press on the
queenside with ... stb8 and ... c4.
12 ... gxfs
Of course Black takes with the g-pawn,
keeping a compact central mass and preparing
to counterattack via the g-file.
13.exfS!?
This seems to yield some chances but, with
best play by Black, White's operations seem
12.fS?! doomed to failure.
This is not the best move but it is thematic,
and I have promoted it to the main line to 13.iWhS?!
show that White's attempts to attack lack bite. Black has many options and could well be
much better. One old line I had analysed is:
12.e5 ixc3! 13.bxc3 iWc7+ The b3-bishop and 13 .. J::&gS!? 14.igS c4!
the f5-square are weak, and Black has ideas of A typical resource to open up the long
... h5, ... l{Jf5, and ... iWc6, leading to a better diagonal.
position. He has powerful control of the light l 5.dxc4!
squares and the white bishops lack targets. 15.exfS? cxb3 l 6.fxe6 does not yield White
anything after: 16 ... dxe6 l 7.iWxf7t (1 n~xf7
12.a4 b4 13.l{Je2 ig7 14.ie3 iWc7 l 5.c3 bxc3 gxg5! 18.gxe7t ~xe7 19.iWxgSt if6-+)
l 6.bxc3 f5+ and Black was slightly for choice l 7 ... ~d7+ The black king escapes, giving
in Cvak - Gromotka, corr. 2014. the signal for a venomous counterattack.
l 5 ... ixc3
The other possibility is: l 2.l{Je2! ig7 l 3.c3! I wouldn't be surprised if l 5 ... h6!? wins here.
(13.f5?! [13.a4 d5 14.e5 c4 15.ia2 0-0 My computer gives a large plus to Black.
16.l{Jd4 iWd7 and Black is ready for the .. .f6
break, with a good game] 13 ... gxfS 14.l{Jg3
h5!--t, with the idea 15.exfS ie5!, is once more
better for the second player, as he will be the
one doing the attacking.)
16.bxc3!
16.exfS? if6! l 7.h4 (l 7.fxe6 ixg2t! 18.~gl
Chapter 15 - Grand Prix Attack - 5.ib5 289
~b6t 19.§'.t2 dxe6-+) 17 ... ft::ixfS 18Jhf5

exfS 19 Jl'.e 1t ie4!-+ wins for Black.
16 ... ixe4 17.fi'.ae 1!
17.cxbS axbS 18.fi'.ael dS+
17 ... bxc4 18.8xe4! fi'.xgS! 19.~xgS fxe4
20.~g7!
But not 20.~f6? ft::ifS 21.gxfS ~xf6 22.gxf6
cxb3+.
20 ... ct::ifS 21.gxfS! exfS 22.~hSt i:e7 23.~eSt
~f8 24.~h8t=
With a perpetual, although the dedicated
analyst will notice that only Black has chances
to improve upon it.
16.bxc3 :§:g8 I 7J:!f2 .Ei:g6---t

Both this and l 7 ... c4 l 8.dxc4 0-0-0---t give
the second player terrific attacking chances.
Conclusion
This chapter dealt with the topical 5.ibS

variation of the Grand Prix Attack, when
I am advocating 5 ... ct::id4 so as to prevent
a b c d e f g h
White from capturing on c6 and giving us an
13 ... ixc3! unfavourable pawn formation. If the white
A strong move, preventing a knight leap bishop returns to c4 then Black's plan is similar
to e4. to the previous chapter - play the blockading
... e6 to restrict the bishop's power. White can
After 13 ... ggS?! l 4.ft::ie4 ft::ixfS l 5.gxf5! ,ixe4 of course exchange on d4, with 6.ft::ixd4 cxd4
16.dxe4 exfS 17.idS!? fi'.c8 18.~hS ~f6 7.ctJe2 ft::if6 8.eS ft::idS 9.c3! being a particularly
19.exfS c4!~ the game is unclear, but from forcing attempt to punish Black's set-up.
the practical point of view \X1hite's position is However, I think it is rather White who is
preferable. struggling for equality, and I am satisfied that
the variations presented will give Black good
14.f:xe6 chances to fight for the initiative. White can
14.bxd? 2g8 l S.§f2 ctJxfS ts hopeless for also employ a system where he combines 0-0,
White. ft::ixd4 and id3, but I believe that his lack
of queenside development, combined with
14 ... dxe6 15.°ffhS Black's potentially powerful pawn mass on d6,
The onlv move. eS and d4, gives the second player excellent
prospects for the better game.
Closed Variation
a b c d e f g h
Various 6th Moves

Variation Index
1.e4 cS 2.CDc3 ctJc6 3.g3 g6 4.i.g2 i.g7 S.d3
s... d6
A) 6.ctJh3 291
B) 6.ctJge2 e6 293
Bl) 7.i.e3 293
B2) 7.0-0! ctJge7 295
B21) 8.~bl!? 296
B22) 8.i.gS 297
C) 6.ctJf3 ctJf6 7.0-0 0-0 298
CI) 8.~el 300
C2) s.lbdS 301
C3) s.lbgS 302
C4) 8.ctJh4 303
CS) 8.h3 ~b8 304
CSI) 9.i.e3?! 305
C52) 9.a4! a6 IO.i.e3 bS 11.axbS axbS 12.~d2 306
C521) 12 ... ~e8 307
C522) 12 ... b4 309
B 1) note to 1 U'fae 1 C2) after 11.d?! C52 l) note to l 8.d4
8
7
6
5
15 .. .fS!N+ 11 ... hxgS!N 2 l.'1Jxf7!!

1.e4 cS 2.ctJc3 ctJc6 3.g3 g6 4.~g2 ~g7 S.d3 out f2-f4-f5 as quickly as possible, I see no
d6 reason not to bolster the fS-square in advance.
7.0-0 ctJge7 8.f4

Not the only move.
White has also tried to play for an exchange

of dark-squared bishops with 8.ie3, when I
think a good line for Black is:
a b c d e f g h
The starting tabiya for the Closed Sicilian.
This is an opening where White fights for
space and attacking chances on the kingside,
most usually based on a push of his f-pawn to a b c d e f g h
f5, while Black counterattacks on the other
8 ... b6! 9.\Wd2 h6! IO.!uf4 ib7 1 Uhbl
wing, aided by his strong fianchettoed king's
gc8 12.'llce2 (12.ctJfe2 is met strongly with
bishop. However, things are not always as
12 ... d5! 13.exdS exd5 14.d4 ctJf5!+, when
simple as that: White can often seek play in
Black already has the better chances.) 12 ... ctJeS!
the centre or even on the queenside himself
13.f.3 d5! 14.b3 dxe4 15.dxe4 \Wxd2 16jhd2
There is flexibility for both sides, so ideas come
0-0 17. ~f2 ctJ 7 c6+ Black was already pressing
very much into prominence and are more
and went on to win the game in Piersig -
important than memorizing moves.
Michael, corr. 201 1.
This chapter will cover: A) 6.ctJh3, B) 6.ctJge2
and C) 6.ctJf3.
The main options of 9 .id and 9 J4 \\'ill be

covered in the next two chapters.
Designed to add more firepower to the push of

the f.-pavm, but developing a piece at the edge
of the board and neglecting control of d4 are
surely not the best ad\·enisements for a mo\·e.
a b c d e f g h
6 ... e6!
Considering that \'\'hire would like to Glrr~- 8 ... 0-0
292 Closed Variation
Now that White cannot pursue the idea of has an excellent game. In this type of position
exchanging dark-squared bishops, Black can Black is not afraid of the e4-e5 advance, as he
safely castle. can always blunt the force of the enemy attack
by replying with .. .f6. The game Belev - Filev,
9.~e3 b610.~hl Sofia 2009, saw the extravagant 12.g4?!, and
This is a situation where White has here Black could have punished his opponent
deprived himself of any plans associated with for his optimistic play:
d3-d4, while f4-f5 is difficult to carry out.
Consequently, a waiting move like 10.c.iihl
may well be his best strategy.
Alternatively, 1O.g4?! d5! l l .if2 happened in

Cristobal - Felgaer, Mar del Plata 2001, and
at this point, if I were Black, I would have
preferred: l l...dxe4N (l I...d4 l 2.Ctk2 f5~
was also good enough in the game) 12.dxe4
ia6 13.Ei;el Wic7 14.e5 Ei;ad8 15.'\Wcl l':2ld4
16. t2l g5 t2l ec6 17. t2l ge4 t2l b4 t
i• ~•*•
a b c d e f g h
l 2 ... dxe4N l 3.dxe4 ~a6 14.Wiel l':2ld4
r•~m~
8
7[&:~ ~&f~& 15.ixd4 cxd4+
~~~ ~. • ~ •
~w~ ~l~I~
sm ri~~t,'\w~
6 ~
4
m• /,/,
~~
~
;~ /~
A~;
~.C'..'2.__J;;Q:;;O~
Finally, an example featuring two strong GMs
in action continued: 10.if2 ib7 l 1.Wid2 Wid7
12.Ei;ae 1 Ei;ae8 13.g4 f5! 14.gxf5 exf5+ Black
~. . » .
3 ~ fil.
/~ Jiif ~....~ stood better in Zvjaginsev - Moiseenko, Sochi
A [ ~ A Jiif fc%: M ~~ 2007. However, the game was given up as a
2 0 /LJ1 0 Jiif ~~/'.'LJ:.'.
~~{ \tu(• /,~~f .S~/ .. / draw a few moves later.
P,§ ?'J§!~ ?~ ~
a b c d e f g h
Black has dangerous queenside pressure. The

counterattack 18.l':2lf6t?! ixf6 19.exf6 l':2lbxc2
20.f5 doesn't quite work in view of: 20 ... l':2lxe 1!
21.ixd4 (21.Wih6 l':2lef3t 22.c.iihl Wixh2t-+)
21...c.iihS! 22.Wih6 Ei;g8 23.l':2le4 gxf5 24.Wig7t
Ei;xg7 25.fxg7t ~g8 26.l':2lf6t c.iixg7 27.l':2le8t
c.iig6 28.l':2lxc7 l':2lxg2+
1O.Ei;b 1?! defends b2 but is rather slow. Black

should continue: I0 ... ib7 l 1.l':2le2 (l I.l':2lf2
d5! 12.id2 Wid7 13.e5 f6 14.exf6 ixf6
l 5.ih3 Ei;ae8 l 6.l':2le2 l':2lf5 l 7.c3 ig7+ also a b C d e f g h
left Black with the better game in Padevsky 10 .. JW d7 11.~gl ~b7 12.°1Wd2 gae8
- Mainka, Dortmund 1991.) l 1. .. d5 Black 13,gael fS!
Black has deployed his forces in the most Spassky has widely used this move, which is
convenient manner and should be at least more to the point than 6.CiJh3 as the centre is
equal after this timely attack on the enemy not neglected.
centre.
6 ... e6
14.tZ~gS ltJd4 1s.ltJf3 At this point Bl) 7.~e3 is possible, but the
As in Nakamura - Sasikiran, Bursa 2010, most elastic reply is B2) 7.0-0!.
when Black should have preferred Ftacnik's Alternatively, the move 7.a3 is rather useless
recommendation: in a set-up involving gb I and b2-b4. For
example, after 7 ... CiJge7 8.gbl b6 9.0-0 ib7
IO.id ct:id4 l l.®d2 0-0 12.f4 ®d7 13.b4
gac8+ Black stood superbly in Seirawan -
Andersson, Mar de! Plata 1981.
Bl) 7.~e3
I would consider this rather premature, as White

misses the chance to provoke ... h6 by planting
the bishop on g5. A high-level encounter from
this position continued as follows:
7 ... ltJd4 s.o-o

a b c d e f g h 8.gb 1 CiJe7 9.b4 CiJxe2 1O.CiJxe2 cxb4
15 ... CDxf3N 16.~xf3 dS! 17.exdS ltJxdS ll.gxb4 CiJc6 12.gbl ®a5t 13.®d2 ~xa2
18.Wfg2 CDxc3 19.~xb7 CDdS 20.~xdS exdS 14.0-0 0-Q::o is unclear, as the black queen can
21.di return to the defence via a5.
Black will have the more pleasant side of a
probable draw.
B) 6.CDge2
8 i. A '-.·Ul!.: ~
.JL~e',.~~ I&·/.•'.~;?.
~,/§,/
7
6
1*;' !&&.~&
5
'llj*
·&/. /· '
'A'
a b c d e f g h
can hardly challenge it: 9 ... 0-0 10.Ehel gb8

11.ctJdl b6 12.'LJcl Losing too much time. (Ir
seems to me chat White could have renounced
his ambitions at this point and chosen instead
12.c3 4Jxe2t 13.Wxe2 Wd7 14.icl= with an
approximately even game.)
a b c d e f g h
11.gb 1 id7 12.cthd4 4Jxd4 13.4Je2 Wa5!?

14.ctJcl ia4! 15.4Jb3 Wc7 16.c3 This was
S. Johannessen - Ostenstad, Asker 2000, and
now I chink best is: 16 ... 4Jxb3N 17.axb3 ic6=
a b c d e f g h
12 ... dS! 13.c3 4Jdc6 14.ih6 dxe4! l 5.ixg7
c;t,xg7 16.ixe4 ib7 l 7.4Je3 Wc7 l 8.f4 gbd8
l 9.Wf2 lt:Jf5 20.4Jxf5t exf5 2 l.if3 4Je7+
Black had the slightly better chances in Short -
Leko, Wijk aan Zee 2000, but White held on.
9 ... 0-0 I0.°'!Nd2

Similar to the English GM's continuation,
but with the vital difference chat the pawn on
f4 obstructs the white bishop.
I0.g4?! seems to me like tempting fate. After

the customary I0 ... f5! l l.gxf5 exf5! l 2.4Jg3
gb8+ White's structure is loose and only Black
can be better.
11.gael
A similar case is: 10.gb I b6! l l.g4?! ib7
Basically White needs to retreat both his
12.4Jg3 f5! 13.gxf5 exf5 14.4Jce2?! Wd7 15.c3
knights to the first rank in order to evict
4Jxe2t l 6.Wxe2 gae8 l 7.Wc2 h5! 18.'LJh 1
the d4-knight, but this is a time-consuming
fxe4 19.dxe4 d5+ Black was already much
operation.
better in Kabisch - Spassky, Germany 1987.
11.ctJdl?!
1O.if2! plans a piece trade on d4 and can be
This direct attempt to carry out the above
described as drawish. I 0 ... 4Jec6 I could find
plan allows:
nothing better than this solidifying manoeuvre.
11...bS 12.lt:Jcl
Play may proceed as follows:
12.c3 ltJxe2t 13.~xe2 b4 14.c4 ctJc6 l 5.~f2 15 .. .fS!N+ In the game 15 ... ~xa2?! 16.fS~
'Lld4 16.~ d2 ib7 (16 ... b3!?) 17. ~h 1 gave White good attacking chances.
f5+ was at least equal for Black in Maze -
A. L'Ami, Reykjavik 2013. 11...hs 12.CDdl b4 13.CDcl
Black's queenside prospects look the more
8
7
,. ,. ~,1,
,ij_~
,. ,.
.i~ promising.
6
5
,. ,.
4 ~88
3 8& 8
2 888°iV &8
n lb lb n@
a b c d e f g h
12 ... b4 13.d bxc3 14.bxd 8dc6 15.~e2
15.~b3 c.2:a5=: 15.d4 cxd4 l 6.cxd4 d5=:
15.g4 f5!=
15 ... '~aS 16.g4 f5! 17.gxfS exf5 18.C2g3 ldTf a b c d e f g h
Black had the more pleasant game in
13 ... aS 14.c3 bxc3
Leburgue - Ikonnikm·, Bethune 199 7 . \X'hite's
14 ... ~dcGN at once looks more accurate, as
passive knight on d 1 disrupts his coordination.
it maintains the undermining idea ... a4-a3.
l l .g4?! is, as usual, best met \\·ith 11 ... fS!.

1s.hxc3 CDdc6 I6.g4 fsi
After 12.gxfS exf5 13.t2:g3 b5 14.ciJdl b4
Black went on to win in Vassallo Barroche -
15.d bxd 16.bxd ;;:~eG 17.~cl d5= Black
Sorin, Benidorm 1992.
was dictating ewnts in Hoen - Hi.ibner, Oslo
19 7 4. B2) 7.0-0!
Finally, 1 l .£f2 b5 12.~afl b4 13.ciJd 1 !2:xe2t

14.1rxe2 'gas 15.g4 happened in Cla\·iere -
Vamos, Bratislava 1993, and here Black should
haw of course played:
8
7
,. ,. ,. ,.
.i j_
~
.i~
,. j_ ,.
6
5
4
~
,.
,. 888
3 8~
2 888 Win~8 a b c d e f g h
lb n@ Reserving options for the c I -bishop.
a b C d e f g h
7 .. .tLige7 11.~xe2 cxb4 I2.E5xb4 ~c6

We should look at the interesting B21) The older l 2 ... d5!?~ has had good results in
8J~bl!? before moving on to B22) 8.~gS. praxis and shouldn't be dismissed lightly either.
8.ie3 ct:Jd4 transposes to variation B 1.
B21) 8J~bl!? 0-0 9.~e3 ~d4 I0.b4
a b c d e f g h
The right method of carrying out the b2-b4
idea, but it shouldn't concern us too much.
13 .. .'~ aS 14.c3
I0 ... ~xe2t! 14.d4 '1Wxa2 l 5.'\Wd3 '1Wa5 00 is a pawn
I don't like 10 ... b6?! l 1.e5 ct:Jd5 12.ctJxdS!N sacrifice which leads to an unclear game.
(12.exd6?! CLlxe2t 13.ctJxe2 cxb4+ was better
for Black in Spassky - Chandler, Germany
1987.) 12 ... exd5
a b c d e f g h
13.ixd4! cxd4 14.ct:Jxd4! ib7 15.b5 dxe5

16.ct:Jc6 fxc6 17.bxc6 gc8 18.c4 gxc6
l 9.ixd5± White has valuable pressure due to
his powerful d5-bishop.
B22) 8.~gS 1O... id7! 11.ct:Jd 1

Finally acquiescing to letting Black castle.
White gains nothing by 11.8'.ae 1 4Jec6!
12.ct:Jd 1 4Jxe2t l 3.8'.xe2 0-0!= with the idea
l 4.~xh6?! ct:Jd4!.
l l...4Jxe2t 12.\Wxe2 0-0 13.iWd2 ciih7 14.d4
ib5! 15.8'.e 1 \Wb6 16.c3 a5! l 7.b3
As in Rufenacht - Hall, corr. 2001.
l 7 ... ct:Jc6N
This seems to successfully force matters, for
instance:
18.dxcS
18.dS exd5 l 9.a4 ia6 20.\WxdS ct:Je5 21.l'tJb2
8'.ad8 22.h3 ct:Jd7 23.8'.acl ct:Jf6 24.\Wdl 8'.fe8
a b c d e f g h 25.id2 \Wc7~
A refined method of putting Black under 18 ... dxcS 19.ct:Jb2 ct:Je5 20.\Wc2
pressure, trying to provoke ... h6 or otherwise 20.b4? 8'.fd8 21.\Wc2 axb4 22.cxb4 8'.a3!+
achieve an exchange of dark-squared bishops. 20 .. .Effd8 21.8'.adl \Wc7=
8 ... h6!? 10 ... ctJec6!

After this move it will not be easy for Black A clever retort.
to castle, bur I prefer it to allowing an exchange
of dark-squared bishops. 10 ... 0-0?! l l .b4 4Jxe2t l 2.4Jxe2 cxb4
l 3.8'.xb4 d5?! l 4.\Wd2! ciih7 15.icS!±
9.~e3 ctJd4
Now White has a choice between the direct
I0.~d2 and the slyer 10.E&bl.
lOJ!bl!?
White prepares b2-b4, with an interesting
idea against castling in mind.
10.~d2
This one should nor worn· us due to:
a b c d e f g h
A positional trap that no less a player than
Dr. Hubner fell into in Mesropov - Hubner,
Germany 1997. The point is that with the
b4-rook protected by its queen, Black no
longer has the simple reply ... \Wc7. The natural
l 5 ... dxe4!, albeit best, leads to queenside
pressure for White after 16.8'.xe4 \Wc7 l 7.ia3
~d8 l 8.';;1f4! ct:Jd5 l 9.~xc7 4Jxc7 20.8'.b 1t.
a b c d e f g h
11.a3 aS I2.a4 'Wb6! 6 ... ct:Jf6

It is important to prevent White from I have refrained from offering 6 ... e6 here,
untangling by playing ctJ b5. though I have to stress that this is a matter
of taste, as 7.igS! ctJge7 8.~d2 h6 9.ie3 e5!
I3.iJ4! 10.0-0 ct::id4 11.ctJel ie6 12.f4 ~d7x 1s a
13.Wd2 !d7+ is already better for Black, position that is merely unclear.
who threatens to invade b4.
7.0-0 0-0
a b c d e f g h
I3 .. .CtJa7! I4.h3 hS I5.'Wd2 h4 I6.h3 i,d7
a b c d e f g h
I7.g4 0-0-0 I8.Clla2 ctJxe2t I9.'Wxe2 fS! We have reached another important position
Black had strong counterplay in Bohak - for our repertoire. White has a wide choice of
Balzert, corr. 2012. continuations, but hardly an effective plan
to attack us. His main problem is that the
f3--knight stands in the way of the f--pawn,
while the benefits of having the cl--h6 diagonal
open are not clear, as an exchange of dark--
squared bishops is difficult to achieve.
We will consider five main options for

White: Cl) 8J1:el, C2) 8.ctJdS, C3) 8.ctJgS,
C4) 8.ct:Jh4 and CS) 8.h3.
8.ctJe 1 has the idea of playing f2--f4 under

better circumstances, but it doesn't seem to
offer any real improvement. 8 ... e5 9.f4 exf4
1O.gxf4 (1 O.ixf4 ct::ig4 l 1.Wd2 ie6 12.ctJf3
ct::id4 13.~h 1 Wd7 14.ctJgS h6 15.4Jxe6 fxe6
16.!h3 h5 l 7.ig2 EI'.f7 18.h3 4Je5 l 9.ctJe2
This has the disadvantage of blocking the gafS 20.d 4Jxe2 21.Wxe2 h4= was balanced
f--pawn, but it keeps the line open for the in Mamedyarov - Gelfand, Wijk aan Zee
c 1--bishop and prepares to castle immediately. 2008.)
/ild4 23.c4
This occurred in Yudasin - Krush, New
York 2003, and now most efficient is the
immediate:
23 .. JhblN 24.gxbl gbS+
4 Every exchange of wood makes the plight of
the a I-knight even more critical.
8.id2 gbS 9.iWcl

A rather primitive attempt to exchange dark-
a b c d e f g h squared bishops.
I0 . ..Cilg4! 11.iilO fS The cl-bishop is not such 9 ... geS
a good piece and Black's king looks like the 9 ... bS!? I0.ih6 ig4!? 1 l.ixg7 <iixg7+! was
more secure of the two, making the position also excellent for Black in Wellen - Noble,
slightly preferable for the second player. email 2005. White's manoeuvre has been
too time-consuming.
8.a3
Black's play is easy to carry out, and the
following game is a good example of this:
8 .. J~b8 9.Eibl bS 10.b4 cxb4!?
Also possible is 10 ... /ileSN 11.id2 iilc7x.
l l.axb4 aS! 12.bxa5 ~xaS 13.iile2
13.id2 b4 14.iile2 ~c7 is at least equal.
8 .i/~//
7 li&i
6 ,; 'SJ &: 'SJ i
s~i
4
3
2
a b c d e f g h
l 3 ... b4 14.iiled4 4Jxd4 l 5.iilxd4 id7 16.id2
~cs 17.4Jb3 ~c7~
By this point Black had obtained an easy 8 .ig5 h6 9 .id2
game with a clear target on c2. 9.id eS+
18.4Jal ?! ~g4! l 9.h3?! 9 ... e5! 10.a3
19.~xb4 ~xb4 20.ixb4 gbS~ was probably 10.CLlel iild4 l l .f4?! ig4+ favours Black.
preferable. although Black maintains 10 ... ieG 11.gbl aS! 12.a4 dS 13.exdS iilxdS
nagging pressure. 14.iilxdS ixd5 l 5.ie3
l 9 ... ~e5 20.ixb4 ia4 2 l.~d2 -'Lc6 22.ia3
8 ... ~g4!
Also possible is 8 ... e5!? 9.~d2 (9.ig5!? h6
1O.~xf6 ~xf6 l l.~d5 ig7 l 2.~d2 ie6 l 3.a4
~e7= is about equal) 9 .. J&b8 10.a4 a6 l l.~c4
b5 12.axb5 axb5 l 3.~e3 b4 l 4.~cd5 ~xd5
l 5.~xd5 fe6= with balanced play in Hug -
Gligoric, Bath 1973.
9.h3 ~xf3 I0.~xf3 :§:b8 11.~g2 bS 12.a3!?

This restrained course is best.
15 .. .CtJd4! 12.f4 b4 13.~e2 ~d7 14.g4?! (14.e5 °1Wc7!

Instead, 15 ... c4 16.dxc4 ~xc4 17.°IWxdS l 5.exd6 °1Wxd6+ would have been only slightly
'.§fxd8 18.'.§fdl Spassky - Tai, Tbilisi (10) better for Black) l 4 ... ~d4 l 5.~g3?!
1965, is unclear after: l 8 .. .f5!?N 00
l 6.C2Jxd4 cxd4 l 7.!xd5 °1Wxd5 18.c4 °1Wc6 l 9.!d2
As played in Mayer - Perez, corr. 2001.
Black should have chosen the prophylactic:
l 9 ... si>h7!N
With excellent play. For example:
20.b4 axb4 21.'.§xb4 '.§a6 22.°1Wb3 b6 23.f3 f5
24.'.§b5 '.§e8t!
Cl) 8.:§:el
a b c d e f g h
l 5 ... a5! l 6.~d2 ~ b5! 17.°IWcl a4 l 8.c4 a3

l 9.b3 ~b2 20.°IWdl ~c3-+ Black had punished
White's overambitious play in Golovin -
Zubarev, Voronezh 2005, and went on to win.
This is an instructive example of what Black
wants to achieve on the long diagonal.
a b c d e f g h
This would be a logical move with the queen's
knight standing on d2, but here I find it rather
pointless. One might argue that it centralizes
the rook and creates the threat of e4-e5, but
in my view the threat is easily parried and the
rook appears clumsy on e 1.
a b c d e f g h
12 ... e6! I would like to propose a radical continuation:

Black needs to pay attention. l 2 .. .!tJd7?
13.eS! !2Jd4 l 4.exd6 exd6 l 5.!2Jd5 !2Jb6 8 .. .CthdS!?
1G.!2Je7t ~h8 was Kramnik-Anand, Moscow 8 ... !2Jd7~ is undoubtedly the safest way.
(rapid) 1994, when 17.d!N §:e8 18.igS f6
19.cxd4 §:xe7 20.if4± would have yielded a 9.exdS ctJb4!
clear positional advantage for White.
13.ctJe2!?
13.f41Mfc7+, intending ... !2Jd7 and ... !2Jd4, is
better for Black.
a b c d e f g h
More restrained is: 10.!2Jd2 bS!? l l .a4! c4!
13 .. .'\Wc7 14.c3 aS 15.d4 a4~ 12.axbS cxd3 13.d !2Jc2 l 4.§:a2 Wb6 15.!2Jc4
Black will have the more pleasant position 1Mfxb5 16.Wxd3
by playing ... !2Ja5 next.
a b c d e f g h
10.c4 gives Black a useful target for ... b5 later White opens up the way for the customary
on. After 10 ... ifS 11.ctle I :§;b8 l 2.a3 ctla6 march of the f-pawn. However, in doing so he
l 3.ctlf3 ctlc7~ Black was ready to carry out places the knight on a rather unnatural square
this plan and stood fine in Raisanen - Laine, for the attack's purposes, and Black should be
corr. 2009. at least slightly better by replying as follows:
1o... h6 11.c3?! 8 .. Jl:b8! 9.f4 ctJd4 10.ctJdS

More accurate seems l l .a3 hxg5 l 2.axb4 10.fS
cxb4 13.~d2 a5 14.~xgS ~c7 l 5.~d2 00 • In this case Black should remain unperturbed:
I O... b5! l l .ctle2
After the text, as played in Mollov - Palac, l l .a4?! b4 12.ctle2 ctlc6+ only helps Black
Toulouse 1990, the solid and strong reply for get his pawn to b4, which is something he
Black was: wants to achieve.
1 l .fxg6?! allows the favourable recapture
l l ... fxg6!, with a clear advantage for Black
in the line 12.ctldS ctlxd5 13.:§;xf8t ~xf8
14.exdS h5! 15.h3 ctlf5+. White gets weaker
and weaker on the dark squares.
a b c d e f g h
11...hxgS!N 12.cxb4 cxb4 13.~b3 ~f6!
14.~xb4 ~b6! 15.~a4 a6 16.El:bl ~bSt a b c d e f g h
Black has annoying pressure.
l l...ctlc6! l 2.ctlf4 ctle5
The fine base on e5 thwarts any attacking
C3) 8.CDgS
ideas the first player might have. I could find
nothing better for White than:
l 3.fxg6 hxg6 14.ctldS b4 I 5.h3
l 5.a3 b3+ or l 5.~e2 a5+.
l 5 ... ctlfd7!
Intending ... e6.
16.ctle3 e6 l 7.ctlg4 ~e7+
Black maintains the more realistic chances of
success, as he has a clear plan to attack in the
centre and on the queenside.
10 .. .CthdS 11.exdS bS 12.c3 ltJfS 13.~el h6

Also possible is l 3 ... b4!? l 4.g4 bxc3 l 5.bxc3 This looks like the most natural way of
'Llh6 16.h3 Wa5 l 7.id2 El'.b2+ Stripunsky - preparing f2-f4. I think Black should react in
Braylovsky, New York 2003, when the strong the following manner:
pressure against all White's queenside pawns
outweighs the slight displacement of the 8 ... eS!?
knight on h6. Gaining space in the centre and creating
some obstacles against the smooth realization
of White's idea.
9.f4
Now this advance is less effective as Black can
capture on f4 under favourable circumstances,
successfully disrupting White's direct attacking
plans.
On the other hand, delaying the pawn push

by 9 .h3 El'.b8 1O.a4 is clearly too slow, and after
10 ... a6! l l.ie3 (l l.f4? ctJh5+; l l.ctJd5 'Llxd5!
12.exd5 'Lle7+ with the idea 13.a5?! if6!+)
a b c d e f g h l 1...b5 12.axb5 axb5 13.Wd2 b4 14.'Lle2 'Lle8
14.ctJe4 e6 15.clxe6 .ixe6 16.g4 ctJe7 17 ..ih3
fS 18.ctJxcS clxcS 19.~xe6t @h7 20.gS
~xd3 21.gxh6 ~xh3 22.hxg7 :§:fes 23.~e3
~g4t 24.~g3 ~xg3t 25.hxg3 ctJdS 26 ..id2 8 . r..
Black's position looks good to me.
_i-j_~
:;,, ,,;;
r~iB Ba•i
~~--
/,,,,,~
5-~·%·"-~ ~• •
@xg7 27.:§:fel @f7i 7
Black had the more pleasant ending m 6 ,,•:•
Galego - Ki. Georgiev, Eilat 2012.
4 ~. 'B't)~~ ~~
&;;..;,. ~/,.~r%. ,~/,,,,,/,//{((p,0,,,,,;
3 ~~ ~~; o • t[}
~~"~• ~u;:,~
~~ B"i'ffi
2 3
I / .... , /
\/uu,/
~,~ /, , ,/,
a b c d e f g h
9 ... exf4!
A major point: Black stops the further
f4-f5, which would give White a strong attack
if carried out. In view of the loose situation
of the h4-knight, White is forced to recapture
with the bishop on f4.
a b c d e f g h I O..ixf4 h6!?
Another important move, preventing Wd2
and threatening ... g5. Black has a massive plus Also possible is l l...Jie6 12.~d2! ~h7 (12 ... gS?
score from this position. l 3.ct:lxg5 hxgS 14.ixgS-+ gives White dangerous
pressure) 13.gael ct:lhS 14.id Wb6 00 as in
l l.'Df3 Engstrom - Cicak, Stockholm 1991, but our
Trying to control d4. main continuation is more harmonious.
I I.id2 l'tJd4 12.riihl ig4 13.Wcl riih7 12.h3

14.ie3 Wd7 15.Wd2 gae8 16.a4 b6 17.gael 12.l'tJdS ie6 is unclear.
8 •• i:i~ • 12... 'DgeS 13.'DxeS 'DxeS 14.~d2
5.
7 ~~1 ?~~.
~~\UJJ~ & 14.g4 fe6 00
;:.ar.:: ~~; e ~$ • ~, FS'
6 ;;:?.il' 0
~~ ~~ . .·0.11'0
/~/ij; p/,;: I ;:;1·'.; ;
;,,,,% ) , ,, :: '//, , , :/, ,1
fl. ~..~ 8 ~
i.~.i..~ ~~-~
~ /,,,,/, /,,,,Y,
4[j~
3 ~
2
~
~ ~b~~fD
fDb~
~
~/j
~lNI/J -~~
1 ••
a b
;,;. .....
c
k...
d
·"
~~:-~
e f
L .. ::C
g
;.
h
5~~-" /,~~-/,
7•iB Bi•
6
4
B • Bi•
R /,../,
B B8~ B
R ». ,,
3B ~8B ~8
l 7 ... g5!! l 8.l'tJf3 (l 8.ixg5 hxg5 l 9.Wxg5
ge5 20.Wd2 ie6+ leaves White with
insufficient compensation for the sacrificed
2 !wril~-~~
~ ~
/ .. J
~ R
LJ
~:~
piece) l 8 ... l'tJxf3 l 9.ixf3 ixf3t 20.gxf3
1
~
/..~J R i... J
d5!t White's position was already difficult in a b c d e f g h
Malaniuk- Chiburdanidze, Baku 1979. 14 .. .'~h7 15.@h2 Jie6 16.~abl ~cs 17.a3
a6 18J:H2 bS
Black had the easier game and went on to
win in N. Popov - Savon, lvano Frankovsk
1971.
CS) 8.h3
a b c d e f g h
This 1s perhaps the most interesting 11.CLid 1 has been tried by Morozevich, the
continuation at White's disposal. It toys with idea being to deploy the knight on e3 after
the ideas ie3, Wd2, ctJh2 and f2-f4, and is a the exchange of dark-squared bishops. After
useful prophylactic move in any case. 11...iaG 12.ihG c4! 13.fxg7 ~xg7 14.dxc4
fxc4 15.E~'.e 1 Morozevich - McShane, Biel
8.. J1:b8 2004, I favour:
Black prepares to carry on with his queenside
play.
I do not rate CS I) 9.ii,e3?! highly, and

C52) 9.a4! is the more common response.
CSI) 9.ii,e3?!
It seems inferior for White to choose a set-up

where the a-file remains closed.
9 ... bS 10JWd2 b4
The first player has a choice of knight moves
bur, apparently, equality is the most he can
hope to attain.
11 ... 'lld7!? 12 ..El:abl °IWaS! 13.'Llcl ii,a6!?

We are at a crossroads, with White having to
make a crucial decision:
14.ii,h6
Allowing an opening of the queenside does
not look wise, but the alternatives create a hole
on c3.
14.b3 Ei'.fe8 15.ih6 id! 16.®dl ih8

Black would like to invade on c3 with
his knight, and this severely impedes any
a b c d e f g h attacking tries by White. A few sample lines
highlighting this fact follow:
11.'lle2
17.lLlgS
This one looks a bit clumsy, so there have
In case of l 7.CLie2 fb7!? (l 7 ... ®xa2 18.eS!
been attempts to place the knight on a better
CLlcxeS 19.CLigS= should lead to a draw by
square:
repetition, as the black queen finds it hard to
escape) 18.CLicl CLid4 l 9.CLixd4 cxd4 20.CLie2
11.CLidS proved worse for White after
Ei'.bc8 21.Ei'.a I ® c5 22.Ei'.c 1 e5+ Black gets the
l l...CLid7! 12.ihG?! (12.gabl eG 13.CLif4
upper hand, in view of the weakness on c2
CLid4~) 12 ... ixb2! 13.ixfS ®xf8 l 4Jhb 1 ig7
and the possibility to open more lines with
l 5.c4 eG 16.ctJe3 a5+ in Gallego - Damaso,
... d5.
Portugal 1994.
l 7 .. .c2id4 18.Wd2!? 14 ... c4!

l 8.f4 e6!? slows down the attack decisively Of course! Black should take his chance
without jeopardizing Black's chances, for while it is there.
example: 19.4Je2 (19.fS exf5 20.exfS ctJf6+)
19 ... Wxa2 20.4Jxd4 ixd4t 21.S!?h2 ib7! 15.~xg7 @xg7 16.dxc4 ~xc4 17.~dl ~fc8
22.fS exf5 23.exfS ixg2 24.S!?xg2 ~e7+ Black has lost the valuable defender of his
king but enjoys the better chances, as White
does not have enough forces to attack him.
A game from this position continued:
18 ... ctJ b5 19 .4Je2

19.a4?4Ja3-+
l 9 ... Wxa2 20.f4 4Jd4 2 l .4Jxd4 ixd4 t 22.S!?h2
ib7
The march of the a-pawn is already on the
cards, so White must act.
23.fS 4Je5
18.'L~h2 ~e6 19.b3 ~bS 20.lt)fl lt)f6 21.lt)e3
I would rate Black's chances as better here. ~eS! 22.f3 Wfb6 23.@h2 ~cS 24.lt)d3 ~c3t
White does have some pressure on the Black had all the pressure in Lazic - Huzman,
kingside, but it is hard to believe it is enough, Belgrade 1988.
as all the black pieces are magnificently
posted. C52) 9.a4!
24.Wf4 f6!-+
Carefully removing any pressure from f7 and
h7 before grabbing the pawn on c2.
We'll now switch our attention to similar to unleash the f-pawn and exert cramping
positions where the a-file opens up. pressure on Black's kingside. Other moves
should not annoy us:
9 ... a6
Black should continue unperturbed with his 14.ctJh2?! is artificial, allowing Black to
queenside expansion. generate central play. 14 ... b4 l 5.4Jd 1 was Hug
- Fedorowicz, Novi Sad (ol) 1990, and here I
10.~e3 bS 11.axbS axbS 12JWd2 like:
This natural move, with the idea of
exchanging dark-squared bishops, is the best
for White.
Trying to disrupt Black's play on the long

diagonal by means of 12.eS dxe5 13.ixcS
shouldn't be anything to fear: 13 ... b4!? 14.Cth4
(White is struggling in case of l 4.CtJe4 CLlxe4
15.dxe4 ®c7 16.c3 bxc3 l 7.bxc3 ie6 18.®a4
gfc8+) 14 ... Vflc7 15.gel '.8d8 16.Vfie2 t2ld5+
Black had a favourable position in Kogan -
a b c d e f g h
Illescas Cordoba, Spain 2002.
15 ... dS!?N 16.exdS ctJxd5 l 7.ctJe3 ie6+
Now I would like to give two options: C521)
12 ... E1:e8 is an alternative to C522) 12 ... b4. 14.t2ld5?! ctJxd5 15.exdS ctJb4 16.c3 ctJxd5
17.ctJgS ctJf6 is also ineffective. White's
C521) 12 ... E1:e8 13.~h6 ~h8 compensation will evaporate once the bishop
reappears on g7.
14.. .Clld4!?
We have reached a crucial juncture, with
White having the following choice:
a b c d e f g h
Aiming to keep the dark-squared bishop on
board.
14.tDgS!
a b c d e f g h
White's most dangerous try, preparing
I5.lLle2!N I am not so keen on: l 7 ... b4 18.d4! if6

This is the move that annoys me most, l 9.Wc4! e6 20.h4! cxd4 21.cxd4 Wb6 22.eS!
challenging our well-placed central knight. dxe5 23.dSt White has some initiative.
Weaker is instead 15.ct:Jd 1 d5! 16.eS ct:Jd7! I8.d4

l 7.e6 fxe6 l 8.c3 ct:Jf5 l 9.ctJxe6 Wb6 20.ct:Jf4 By no means the only move, but it 1s
(20.ixdS? succumbs to 20 ... ct:Jf6 2 l .ct:Jc7t thematic to block the h8-bishop.
ct:Jxd5 22.ctJxeS ib7-+) 20 ... d4 when I cannot
see anything concrete for White. l 8.dxc4 b4! is an important point, granting
Black powerful compensation for the
15.f4 b4 16.ct:Jdl d5!~ also appears insufficient pawn. A possible follow-up is: 19.eS!? ixe5
to give the first player an edge. 20.f4 !J6
I5 ... 4Jxe2t I6.°1Wxe2 s *it ..t ~ .i /.:;~JJSt

This is an important position that has yet 7 . i(illJfi ,.~/~/,/
to be reached in tournament practice. The
question is whether White's kingside pressure
amounts to something tangible. I reckon that
: ~ ;gx,/ti 'J:::~ ~
~~~ ·f\/ /;:;;;///
with correct play it doesn't: 4
~
r~ A
o
~A;,; , . /
//.:://
~21:f
1qt
/;A/ A
t:f:ti
3 ~ rci i;{:~ rci o
s
7 a~aj.i.~r
~~.t.~AR•~
R •~i~
2 ?A? i~t;®t
·:0;:
1 }~
a b c
::/:. ~ >~!:c:
tff0'§f;~&~~
d
i~~~
e f g h
6
nTr~ /,n"
4~.%.fg"g
s ~,. 21.ct:Jxf7!! Wb6t (21...c;t>xf7?? 22.We6t!!)
22.c;t>h2 ib7! 23.ct:JgS ct:Jc5 Black's central
control and queenside counterplay render the
enemy's attack ineffective, for example: 24.fS
3R RbR r/lb ixg2 25.Wxg2 gxf5 26Jhf5 bxc3 27.bxc3
2 ¥fl b Riirtl~R Wb2 28J~a2 Wxg2t 29.c;t>xg2 ixc3=
1f"~ •
1~
a
•
b
u u:~
c d e f
([/1
g h
I6 ... 4Jd7!?
A more dynamic way than the one I had
originally devised.
My original analysis preferred 16 ... ct:JhS, but
now I see that l 7.c3 b4 l 8.d4! bxc3 l 9.bxc3
cxd4 20.cxd4 ig7 2 l .ixg7 ctJxg7 gives White
a tiny edge due to his space advantage.
I7.c3 c4!?
An original idea I found after some
meditation.
18 ... eS! 19.ctJf3 exd4 20.ctJxd4 ctJeSa> 14 ... ixb2!? l 5.ixf8 Wxf8~ with excellent
An unclear position arises: Black still has compensation for the exchange.
the ... b4 lever at his disposal and controls the
important d3-square with his knight. This U.ctJdl!? ib7
position is open to all three results, bur I believe l 3 ... ge8!? is less clear, but is a viable
Black does not stand worse at this point. alternative.
l 4.ih6 ga8 l 5.ixg7 ~xg7 l 6.4Je3
C522) 12 ... b4 16.gb 1 ?! grants Black the better game after
the accurate: 16 ... b3! 17.c4 (17.c3 c4+)
17 ... eS l 8.Cue3 ctJd4 l 9.4Jxd4 cxd4+
a b c d e f g h
16 ... gxal 17.gxal Wc7 18.c3

Gaining more space and preparing to
18.ctJdS Cuxd5 19.exdS Cub8!=
challenge the a-file later on.
18 ... gaS 19.gxa8 ixa8 20.4Jd5
Zvjaginsev - Dreev, Krasnoyarsk 2007, was
13.ctJe2
agreed drawn at this point. I will give one
This looks like the automatic reaction, bur
sample line to show that this was a justifiable
there are alternatives:
result:
20 ... WaS 2 l.4Jxf6 exf6 22.d4 bxc3 23.lhlfxc3
Weaker is 13.ctJdS?! 4Jd7!?N, when Black
lhlfxc3 24.bxc3 4Ja7 25.dS f5 26.4Jd2 fxe4
attacks b2 and at the same time plans ... e6,
27.4Jxe4=
forcing the knight to the awkward f4-square.
After l 4.ih6 I recommend:
13 ....ib7
Again, ignoring the exchange of dark-
8
squared bishops looks like an acceptable tactic.
7
With the white f-pawn blocked by its own
6 knight there is no real prospect of a White
5 attack on the kingside, so the only thing Black
4 should take care with is to not let his opponent
3
gain space in the centre.
2
14 ..ih6 .B!a8 15 ..B!abl
Trying to avoid too many exchanges is
a b c d e f g h
White's only realistic hope to maintain chances 20 ... 'LlceS!? 2 l .~xe5 dxe5 was already
of an attack. possible at this point, \Vith an excellent game
for Black.
Instead, 15. Wg5 led to a colourless draw after:
15 ... ctJd7 16.ixg7 c±ixg7 17.ctJd2 h6 18.Wd
Wc7 19.f4 gxal 20.gxal ga8 2Uha8 ixa8
22.Ctk4 1Lla5 23.ctJd2 e5 24.Wf2 ib7 25.ctJfl
'Llc6 26.ctJd ctJd4 V2-V2 P. Karlsson - Ould
Ahmed, corr. 2009
IS ... e6
There are several good moves for Black at
this point, and the text is just one of them.
16J~fel
An immediate l 6.c3 would be answered by
l 6 ... Wc7 as in the game. After l 7.1hg7 c±ixg7
l 8.We3, one simple method of continuing is 2I.c3 'tJceS 22.cxb4 cxb4 23.d4 ~xf3t
l 8 ... ctJd7 l 9.d4 e5= with balanced play. 24.~xf3 ~b6 25.~dl eS 26.~b3 exd4
27.~f4 ~eS::t
16 ...~c7 17.~e3 El:fe8 18.~xg7 @xg7 19.g4 Black had a slight initiative in Inarkiev - Van
Trying to secure an outlet for the knight Wely, Dagomys 2008.
on g3 seems like the only way to make some
progress. Conclusion
In spite of its sly nature (or perhaps exactly

because of it) the Closed Sicilian can be
extremely dangerous to the uninitiated. The
computers tend to underestimate the attacking
chances it offers, and will almost always tell
you that Black is better, even in positions
where the human eye feels that something is
going wrong.
Realizing that the spearhead of White's
strategy is the f4-f5 advance I decided to
offer a Black repertoire based upon the ... e6,
... 'Llge7 set-up. However, against 6.ctJf3, when
a b c d e f g h a quick f4-f5 is not on the cards, I recommend
19 ... ~d7!? a different approach. Black is often able to
Black proceeds cautiously, as he does not expand on the queenside, giving him excellent
want to weaken the squares around his king chances for the battle ahead.
with 19 ... eS.
s E .·. .!. ;{~>• ;}1 'Sir~
7 I.: ,. (~ ,. JjJ ,.
6 />;'Si;i% ;i/~ i ~i
s • i····
4
Closed Variation
a b c d e f g h
6.ie3
Variation Index
1.e4 cS 2.~c3 ~c6 3.g3 g6 4.ig2 ig7 5.d3 d6 6.ie3
6 ... eS
A) 7.~h3 312
B) 7JWd2 ~ge7 313
Bl) s.ih6?! ixh6 9JWxh6 ~d4! 313
Bll) 10.0-0-0?! 314
B12) 10.Wd2! 315
B2) 8.h4?! 317
B3) 8.~f3 319
B4) 8.~ge2 320
BS) 8.f4 ~d4 9.~f3 0-0 10.0-0 322
BSl) 10 ...ig4 322
BS 11) 11.~f2!? 322
B512) 11.~h4 323
B52) 10 ...ie6 325
A) after l 4.g4 B2) note to 12. ;t h2 B52) after l 5.8'.ab l
8 E ~
,. ,. ,. ,. E* s E E* s
,. ,.
E E*
,. ,. ,. ,. ,. ,.
7 ,. .i. 'Si ,. .!. ,. 7 ,. ,.
~'Si j_ 7 'Si ,. .!. ,.
6
s 'Si
6
s
6
s
~
,. ,. .!.· \ ,. .
4 8~8 4 'Si88.i.8 4 'Si 8 ~ ~
3 8 ~8~ 3 ~8~~.8 3 ~8 8
2 88 if ~8 2 8 8 8 if :~@ 2 8 8 8 if . ~8
:~
1: : @ 1: : .
a b c d e f g h a h c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
l4 ... :~5c6!'.\'= l4 ... b5!N U ... c4!?N

1.e4 c5 2.ttJc3 ttJc6 3.g3 g6 4.ig2 ig7 5.d3 8.lLlf3 lLld4 9.~d2 leads to variation B5.
d6 6.ie3 8. lLl ge2 ctJ d 4 9. 0-0 0-0 10. '1W d2 transposes
This is a popular move, aiming for '1Wd2 to variation B4.
and a subsequent exchange of dark-squared 8 ... lLlxe5 9.ctJge2 0-0 10.0-0
bishops after the g8-knight moves. 10.~d2 ih3!? 11.0-0 ixg2 l 2.mxg2oc leads
to a position where the exchange of White's
6 ... eS fianchettoed bishop renders his king more
I think that in this particular situation a set- exposed than usual.
up based on ... e5 is more thematic, trying to 10 ... h6cc
cover as many dark squares as possible. Black had good chances in Jonitz- Duschek,
Germany 1998. He can pursue his queenside
play without fearing an exchange of dark-
squared bishops.
This is answered in the standard manner:
7 ... ttJge7! 8.f4

8.0-0 0-0 9.'1Wd2
9 .f4 exf4 will transpose to the main line.
9 ... lLld4 10.f4 ig4!
Nataf's move anticipates the consolidating
manoeuvre lLlc3-d 1-f2, which happened in
the top-level encounter Carlsen - Wojtaszek,
Tromso (ol) 2014, after 10 ... id7.
The following analysis is mostly based on
7.ctige2 will most probably lead to play similar Nataf's notes on his game versus Koch from
to 7.lLlh3 or 7.'1Wd2. Chess Informant 81:
An independent try is:

7.f4 lLlge7
a b c d e f g h
l l .lLlg5
l l.lLlf2?! ie6!+ intending ... '\Wd7, ... b5-b4.
a b c d e f g h 1 l.fxe5?! dxe5 12.lLlf2 ie6+
8.fxe5!? 11.mhl?! '1Wd7 12.ctigl Ei'.ac8!+
Chapter 17 - 6.ie3 313
11.ct'Jd 1!? Wd7 12.ct'Jdf2 ie2 13.me 1 if3 B) 7.~d2

14.fxeS ixg2 15. ~xg2 dxe5 16.c3 4Je6
17.ltJgS= A common choice, continuing with the
l 1...h6! 12.4Jf3 exf4! I3.gxf4 original idea.
l 3.ixf4?! gS! 14.ie3 fS!+
13 ... ixf.3! 14.ixf.3 ctJxf3t 15.1:'hf.3 f5!+ 7 ... 'llge7
Black had a pleasant edge in Koch - Nata( Black develops in the knowledge that White
France 2001. can now exchange dark-squared bishops.
However, the exchange is time-consuming and
8 ... exf4 9.'llxf4 0-0 10.0-0 El:b8 Black is well placed to meet it.
The slight weakness of the d6-pawn is
outweighed by the powerful g7-bishop and There are five main possibilities to cover:
Black's excellent control over the dark squares Bl) 8.~h6?!, B2) 8.h4?!, B3) 8.'llf3,
in the centre. B4) 8.'llge2 and BS) 8.f4.
11.a3 Bl) 8.~h6?!

11.Wd2 bS 12.a3 aS 13J&abl b4 14.ct'JcdS
ctJxdS 15.ltJxdS ie6 l 6.ltJf4 as in Spassky -
Franco Ocampos, Buenos Aires 1979, is easily
balanced after 16 ... Wd7N=.
11...'lleS!? 12.@hl b6 13.°lfMe2 ~b7 14.g4

This was Spassky - Sax, Reykjavik 1988,
when choosing the correct knight seems to
give Black a small edge:
a b c d e f g h
The obvious choice, but it is now White who
has to play with care to maintain equality.
8 ... ~xh6
Black exchanges bishops in order to jump at
the enemy camp with gain of time.
9.~xh6 ctld4!
An interesting situation: Black is fighting
14 ... 'll5c6!Ni dynamically to compensate for the absence
The main thing in these positions is to have of his precious g7-bishop. White has the
the dS-square well covered and to keep control following choice: Bll) 10.0-0-0?! or
over the dark squares - in this case Black has B12) 10.~d2!.
succeeded in doing both.
Much weaker is instead:

lOJkl ?! ie6! 11.ct'lge2
8 ~
>;,.
11.ctif.3 \Wb6 12.ct'ldl 0-0-0 will most 7 /.
~ ;
~
:/
probably transpose after 13.ct'lxd4 cxd4 6
14.0-0.
11 ... \Wb6!N 12.ct'lxd4 5
12.b3 \Wa5 13.0-0 ct'lec6 14.f4 ct'lxe2t 4
15.ct'lxe2 ig4+
12 ... cxd4 13.ct'ldl 0-0-0 14.0-0 ~b8 15.c4
3
ct'lc6 16J~bl ctib4! l 7.\Wd2 gc8! 18.b3 h5 2
19.h4
19.a3 ct'la6 20.b4 h4 21.f4 hxg3 22.hxg3
\Wds~ a b C d e f g h
12.@bl?
As they say, in a bad position every move
looks bad, and an author's task of deciding
which is the least of the evils becomes difficult.
White's last is not promoted to the main
line because of its worth, but mainly for
instructional reasons.
In case of l 2.f4? the correct reply is 12 ... ig4!,

leading to great difficulties for the first player.
a b c d e f g h (Weaker is instead 12 ... b4?! 13.ct'lce2 ig4
as in Grebennikova - Labasheva, Dagomys
l 9 ... g5!! 20.a3 ct'lxd3! 21.~xd3 gxh4 22.gxh4
2009, because the d 1-rook doesn't have to
Ei'.hg8
move. After 14.Cllxd4!N ixd 1 15.Cllgf3 ixf.3
White has landed himself in a precarious
l 6.ctixf3 ct'lc6 l 7.ct'lg5~ White has enough
situation, in view of the weak state of his
play to keep the balance.)
king and the badly placed knight on d 1.
After a doubling of rooks on the g-file he will
be hard pressed to find a defence, despite
8 !. /
being a piece up. One possible line is: 7 '
23.f4 Ei'.g4 24.Ei'.b2 Ei'.cg8 25.Ei'.f3 \Wa5 6
25 ... ~d8!? is also promising.
26.riifl \Wxa3 27.Ei'.c2 \Wb4~
Although Black has no direct threats, the
pressure is so strong that White can hardly
move.
B11) 10.0-0-0?! a b c d e f g h
This looks exceedingly dangerous in view of: 13J~'.e 1 b4 l 4.ct'lce2 ct'lec6 l 5.ct'lxd4 ct'lxd4
16.:~m b3! l 7.axb3 °ga5 l 8.fxe5 ~alt 19.riid2
10 ... bS! 11.~g7 ~f8 ~xb2 20.~d ct'lxc2t 21.~f4 h5 22.~f6 ctid4
White had to throw in the rowel in Pinho - 12 ... h4! 13.Ctke2 CL\ec6! 14.Cthd4 tbxd4
Hugo, corr. 2012. 1S.lt:Jf3
White tries to exchange as many pieces as
12.'\Wxh7? is met vigorously by 12 ... Wa5 possible in an attempt to reduce our attacking
13.~bl b4 and now: potential, but as we shall see, the pressure
persists nevertheless.
a) l 4.CtJd5 4Jxd5 l 5.exd5 Zaporozsets -
Arzumanian, corr. 1992
s :iB.ta<e~~ B
1 rl B B.t.~.t.
6 B ?I"mB.t.B
%•, %•"
5 •.
4 ~t• •
~
3B BtB,l2)~
r1
/'.,%
/.,/
;;;,,,,,
/,,,,,/
~
~
,%
2t~tB ~~~
a b c d e f g h
B@BMB BM
a b c d e f g h
15 ... c4!N 16.CtJf3 4Jxc2! 17.~xc2 Wxa2
15 ...ig4! 16.lt:Jxd4 cxd4~
l8.cj;,Jd2 Wxb2t 19.cj;,Je3 if5-+ White is lost.
It is hard to imagine White surviving here,
so 12.CtJf.3!? seems to be his only chance to save
b) l 4.CtJce2 ie6 15.ltJcl Wa4 l 6.gd2
the game after the extravagant 10.0-0-0?!.
8 I. B12) 10.'\Wd2!
:)~/
7 {A;;
6
a b c d e f g h
l 6 ... 4Jxc2!! l 7.E&xc2 iha2t! l 8.4Jxa2 b3-+
12.CtJf3!? is met strongly by 12 ... Wa5 13.'\WfG

ig4 14J::~del ixf3 15.ixf3 b4 16.CtJd5 4Jxd5
l 7.exd5 '\Wd8!? l 8.'\Wxd8t cj;,Jxd8+ with a
superior ending for Black. However, it seems The queen has done her duty and returns to
to me that this is the best White can hope for the defence.
after his risky opening.
10 ...ie6!
This looks best: the bishop is finely placed

on e6 and eyes both sides of the board.
11.ctJdS
Alexander Krapivin, who is the staunchest
advocate of this system for White, seems to
rely on this move.
As Vigorito correctly points out on

ChessPublishing, l l.4Jf3? is a mistake due to
11. .. ~h3!+ and Black wins material.
1 l .4Jce2?! has the idea of evicting the a b c d e f g h

d4-knight by c2-c3, but it neglects control 16 ... hs
of d5. After 1 l...d5 l 2.f4 ~bG!t Black obtains This position has occurred in two Krapivin
the better game. games. The central structure favours Black's
bishop, but White has a good square on
Finally, l 1.4Jge2 should be answered by g5 for his knight and so chances should be
11 ... ~bG!, inviting White to castle queenside. approximately balanced.
lH~bl! (12.0-0-0?! is what Black wants,
and he can obtain a better game by means of 17.4Je4 @g7 18.0-0!
12 ... ctJecG 13.c;tibl ct:Jb4! 14.3cl ~a5 15.a3 18.f3?! 3h8 19.0-0-0? b4 20.c4 ct:Jd4
4Ja2! l 6.3cd 1 4Jxc3t l 7.cthc3 b5--t) 21.gdfl f5 22.4Jg5 was the continuation in
Krapivin - Sjugirov, St Petersburg 2009, and
here I think that 22 ... a5N+ would have left
White struggling badly.
a b c d e f g h
18 ...'W'b6! 19Jfael f6 20.@h2 4Jh6 21.f3
~ae8=
11 ... ctJxdS 12.exdS ~d7 13.c3 ctJfS 14.ctJf3
The chances were approximately balanced in
0-0 15.h4 hS 16.ctJgS
Krapivin - Kremenietsky, Moscow 2011, and
Chapter 17 - 6.1ie3 317
I think this is the best position White can get this occasion: 10 ... ®a5 11.f~dfl b5 12.@bl
after his eccentric openino-
o· b4 13.1ixd4 cxd4 14.Ct'le2 gbS l 5.f4 Black was
dictating events in Chiburdanidze - Pamuk,
B2) 8.h4?! Kusadasi 1990, and a further improvement is:
a b c d e f g h
I0 ...1ig4 11.0-0 ~ d7!
Hort's idea, but it weakens the kinaside
b
for
This logical and harmonious move is widely
not a great deal. Black should react as follows:
accepted as best nowadays.
8 ... hS!
In the stem game Portisch created problems
Not only stopping potential attacks, but
for himself with the rash l l ... exf4?!, allowing
also preventing an exchange of dark-squared
the white knight to re-enter the game too
bishops.
early. 12.ct:'lxf4 0-0 13.gf2 <;th7 14.gafl ®d7
l 5.ct:'lcd5
9.~h3 ~d4
Black has centralized himself well and I
think it is White who has to be more careful
from now on.
I0.f4
I was shocked to find 31 games in my
database with this variation. The computer
shows an evaluation of-0.30, and I cannot see
any real point in White's set-up. However, it
seems that there is alreadv
, nothino-
t, better than
1O.f4 at this point. a b c d e f g h

15 ... ct:'lgS? (15 ... ct:'ldcG!Nt) 1G.@h2 ct:'lcG
Maya Chiburdanidze always likes to surprise
l 7.ct:'lh3 fG 18.d ct'le5 l 9.d4 ct:'lc4 20.®d3
her opponents in the earlvJ stage of the baame '
ct'lxe3 21.ct'lxe3 ct:'lhG 22.ct:'lf4± White had a
and in this position she has tried the riskv
clear advantage and went on to win in Hort -
looking 10.0-0-0. However, I cannot sav th;t
Porrisch, Wijk aan Zee 1968.
she emerged successfullv
•
from the openi;10-.t, on
12.@h2 unfortunate choice in Salcedo Tornero - Rojo

I don't think that White has anything better Huerta, Madrid 2010. Black only had to find
than this. 16 ... Wg6!N+, intending .. .f6, when it would
have been him doing the attacking.) l 4 .. .f4
Instead, l 2.ct:Jg5 f6 l 3.ct:Jf3 0-0 14.'.~m 15.gxf4 exf4 16.ixf4 lt'lg6 17.ig3 f5 18.exf5
occurred in Eichler- Nitsche, corr. 1980, when 4Je5t Black maintains the better play, as it is
it seems to me that the following line is best: the white king who is the more exposed of the
two.
13.ct:Jdl has the obvious intention of c2-c3,

but it is too slow:
8 .a. 0
~ //;·.>// '."/////,'. ~~i-;;f]~ ft/,
, ~ / , '§' "'. ,;,,,
7 ,;!&~ & ,tf);i\UIJ:~ & }A;,
fAt A );~ 's' ~, A 'AL:
6 );/;5{/;//;~/..
,:/ ,:- -_- 7&1
;A)) ~:/-::::< & ~1
~{i A ~:>;;-;~
/:JY ,
5 ~1% ;,&/'/,' ;&/,,. ~~/r,/,:///; &
?•t /.: , f;:;;,:/ A
4 ;{~
'."WY
,~ A
~ U
;;A~ A. ~K~
:0:: .lL ::U:
3 ./
2 OA /A~
t~
/0;, 0A }~~
a b
-~~f}~
~~b~ , !§!p
~t f}Y&
c d
I.\ ~
//_/,;// ~
l 3 ... d5 14.c3 4Je6 l 5.fxe5 d4N (l 5 ... dxe4 was

~~
e
M~0/
f g h
also better for Black in Arapovic - Makarichev,

Sarajevo 1982) l 6.ih6 lt'lc6+ Black enjoys the
slightly better chances due to his active pieces
and the weakness of the g4-square.
After 13 Jff2 Black usually hurries to

counterattack with the b-pawn, forcing the
c3-knight away from the critical d5-square:
13 ... bS!?
It is not clear this is best, but it makes sense.
13 .. .f6 was played in Wanzek - Liebert,

Germany 2002, and is a solid alternative for
those who might be looking for a possible
improvement at this point.
13.f5?! is an attempt to take the black position 14.fxeS!?N

by storm that shouldn't work: 13 ... gxfS l 4.lt'lf2 White fixes the structure, but it does not
(14.ih6? fxh6 15.~xh6 "1Me6 16."1Md2 was an completely solve his problems.
Chapter 17 - 6.ii,e3 319
1Hfafl b4 15.ltJd 1 (15.ltJdS? 4Jxd5 16.exdS B3) 8.~f3 ~d4 9.0-0 0-0
ltJfS!-+ is just bad for White) l 5 ... exf4!? ( l 5 .. .f6 10.ii,h6 ~xh6! 11.Wxh6 f6
is also playable) l 6.ixf4! (16. 4Jxf4 leaves the
dl-knight without prospects, and after the
simple 16 .. JfabS!?+ Black is just better.)
12.Wd2
l 2.4Jxd4 cxd4 13.ltJd 1! (l 3.4Je2 1Wb6
14.:i:Ubl [14.\Wcl ig4i] 14 .. .fS! 15.exfS ixf5
14 ... dxeS! 16.IWgS fi'.f7 l 7.\Wd2 ig4 18.fi'.fl fi'.af8+ was
Designed to stop White from occupying d5 much better for Black in Horie - Uchikura,
with the h3-knight. corr. 2001.)
a b c d e f g h
13 ... ie6 14.\Wd2 fi'.c8 15.c4 dxc3 16.bxc3 d5
a b c d e f g h 17.exdS ixd5 18.gb 1 ixg2 l 9.c;t>xg2 \Wd7
15.~dS! ~xdS 16.exdS ~ac8 l 7.a4 b4~ 20.f.3 ltJdS+ Black had a slight edge in Mezera
A complicated position has been reached - Odehnal, corr. 2000, but White ultimately
where both sides have their chances. If given held.
the option I would choose Black in view of
his safer king and mobile kingside pawn mass. 12 ... WaS! 13.~el ~g4! I4.f3
Black is better after l 4.f4 due to the concrete 18 .. J~e7 19.lt:idS id.xdS 20.exdS lt:ifS 21.\Wf2
reply 14 ... 1~%4! 15J;bl lile2t 16.~hl lilxd lt:icd4 22.fxeS fxeS 23.c3 :§:ef7 24.lt:if3 lt:ixf3
17.IWxd 1Mf xc3 l 8.bxc3 b6+. 2s.\Wxf3 \Whsi
Black had the better chances due to his
superior minor piece in Vertes - A. Horvath,
corr. 2006.
B4) 8.lt:ige2
a b c d e f g h
14 ... id.e6 15.f4 lt:iec6 16.a3
l 6.f5?! gxf5 l 7.exf5 lilxf5 l 8.ie4 lilcd4
leaves White with insufficient compensation
for the pawn.
I 6.lilf3 is well met by 16 ... exf4 l 7.gxf4 2ae8 Leading to a rather clumsy formation where
18.aael ©h8 l 9.a3 ig8 20.\Wf2 lilxf3t White will probably have to pull both knights
21.ixf3 1Wb6~ with a fine game for Black, back to the first rank in the near future, so as to
although White is probably not worse. expel the enemy one from d4. That gives Black
enough time to organize sufficient counterplay.
16 ... El:adS 17.@hl El:d7 18JWe3
18.lilf3N exf4 19.gxf4 ag7!? would have 8 ... 0-0 9.0-0
been more interesting, with chances for both 9.ih6 ixh6 I0.1Wxh6 lild4 11.0-0-0?!
sides.
a b c d e f g h
l l...b5! 12.lilxd4?! (12.h4 is more critical,
although Black stands fine after l 2 .. .f6! l 3.f4
mh8 14.fxeS dxeS lSJ:~dfl gf7!~) 12. .. cxd4 13.ctJdl

13.~e2ie6 14.mbl ~cG 15.~cl gc8 16.gd2 White has to proceed as planned.
Was l 7.h4 f6 l 8.ih3 ixh3 l 9.gxh3 This was
Naftalin - Polaczek, corr 1984, when best is Weaker is:
19 ... dS!Nt. This example shows how easily 13.~dS?
things can go badly for White. Surrendering control of fS to Black.
13 ... ~xdS 14.exdS ig4
9.. .CtJd4 I0.f4 ile6 White is struggling. One sample line given
The main position. White now has to decide by Robert Hubner is:
how he will arrange his rooks before crying to 15.d
evict the d4-knight. 15.fxeS gxeS+
15 ... ~fS 16.if2 exf4 l 7.Wxf4 hS!
11.El:ael 17 ... ~hG!?+ is also possible, with better
This has been Korchnoi's choice. chances for the second player.
l 8.h3 ihG l 9.Wc4
l l.gf2 Wd7 12Jhfl has been cried on quite
Here I would like to improve on Dr Hi.ibner's
a few occasions, but it looks harmless to me
analysis by offering:
after the correct 12 ... gacS!. For example:
13.fxeSI? (13.~cl exf4 l 4.ixf4 dS 15.ihG
dxe4 l 6.~xe4 fS l 7.ixg7 ~xg7 18.~gS, as
played in Morovic Fernandez - Hoffman,
Mesa 1992, looks excellent for Black after the
simple 18 ... idS!N+, exchanging White's most
important defensive piece.) 13 ... dxeS
a b c d e f g h
19 ... bS!!=t=
Improving on the proposed 19 ... ixcl ?!,
when White can equalize the chances by
means of 20.gxeS! gxe8 21.gxcl =.
The concept behind 19 ... bS!! is entirely
a b c d e f g h Kasparovian and is as follows:
20.Wb3 h4!! 2 l .hxg4 hxg3 22.ixcS
14.igS!? c4! l 5.dxc4 ixc4 16.gdl ie6+
22.gxfS gxf2t 23.mxf2 WxfSt 24.mgl gxel
Black has the better pawn structure, ensuring
25.gxel id2!! 26.Wdl Wf4!-+
him a tiny edge.
22 ... ~e3!! 23.ixe3 ixe3t 24.El:xe3 gxe3+
Black's attack should carry him to victory.
11...'~d7 12.'tJcl El:ae8
A critical moment: White 1s about to
I3 ... b6
complete his manoeuvre, but Black is fully
Solid, a1mmg to play ... dS later without
mobilized and should have no problems
worrying about the defence of the cS-pawn.
coping with it.
14.fxeS dxe5 15.c3 ~dc6 16.~h6 This is the move favoured by the engines.
So far we have been following the game White will bring his knight to f3 in typical
Korchnoi - Hubner, Barcelona 1989. Now the fashion after all.
legendary German GM recommends:
8 ... ~d4 9.~f3 0-0 10.0-0
Ar this point Black has a choice of squares
for his c8-bishop: B51) 10 ... ~g4 or B52)
10 ... ~e6.
B51) 10 ... ~g4
17 ... @xg7 18.Wfe2 a5 19.~e3

I think that 19 .a4!? could be worth a try.
19 ... a4 20J~f2 f6~

Hubner correctly assess this posmon as
better for Black. White has no active plan and B511) 11.~f2!?
d3 is a static weakness.
Short's choice does have a certain value, from
BS) 8.f4 both a theoretical and practical point of view,
but it is well met by:
11...Wf d7 12.~afl exf4! 13.~xf4!

A typical reaction after l 3.gxf4?! is 13 ... ixf3
14.ixf3 ct:Jxf3t 15.gxf3 f5!+, when only
Black can be better; White's attack has been
stopped dead in its tracks and his king is
exposed. After a massive advance of his pawns
on the queenside, the second player will soften
White's defence of the sensitive e4-square and
create new targets for himself
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 17 - 6.fe3 323
pressure, as the queen combines well with the

knight.
23.ctJg3!
23JU:7t Vfixf7 24.:i:hf7t ~xf7 25.Cllg3 ge3
is not worse for Black.
23 ... ~eS 24.~f4 gfg 25.h3

25.gxf8 gxf8 26.:i:hf8 ~xf8 27.Vfif4 t Cllf7
28.Clle4 b6=
a b c d e f g h
13 ... ~xf3t! 14.ixf3 ixf3 15J~xf3
This was Shorr - Nataf, New Delhi/Tehran
2000, and now I like:
B512) 11.~h4
White is planning the f4-f5 advance.
19 ... ~c6 20.exfS ~xfS 21.g4!! geS 22.~e2!? 11 ... exf4

The knight \vanes to get to e4, even at the A sound reply, stopping any f4-f5 ideas once
cost of a pawn. and for all.
22.,gf g2 gee8= is completely equal. 12.~xf4

White has to recapture with the bishop.
22 ... ~eeS!
22 ... ~xg4t?! 23.~g3 ~e6 24.2J6! ~xf6 l 2.gxf4?! Cllec6 l 3.ctJf3 ~xf3 l 4.~xf3
2SJ;xf6 ~'xf6 26.~h6: gives White powerful Cllxf3t 15Jhf3 f5 16.gel Vfid7 17.gg3 gae8
18.Wfg2 Wfd8 19.~hl ge6 20.ggS t2le7+ Black Instead, l 4.ith6?! iixh6 l 5.°1Wxh6 g5!
had a typical edge, with no risk involved, and l 6.gxf6 (l 6.t2lf3? t2ldf5!!-+ is the brilliant
went on to win in Brih - Koch, Clichy 2006. point, trapping the queen) l 6 .. J~xf6
17.WxgSt ~g6 18.t2lxg6 t2lxg6 l 9.t2ld5
12 .. JMd7 13.~f2 ciih8+ leaves ·white struggling in vain to
White defends c2, preparing to double rooks prove sufficient compensation for the piece.
as well as exchange dark-squared bishops on l 4 ... :§f7 15.:§afl '.sfaf8 l 6.b4
h6. This is a critical point, with Black having l 6.ixd4 cxd4 l 7.t2le2 Wb5! l 8.b3
an interesting choice: t2lc6 l 9.t2lf3 °1Wb6 20.b4 (20.t2lf4 iih6!)
20 ... id7~ is fine for Black.
%.~. •;r•
•a•tv•a•i
l 6 ... cxb4!? l 7 ..ihd4 t2lc6! l 8.ie3 bxd
s :i • • ~~·- 19.Wxd f5~
Black has enough counterplay for equality.
1
6 /
14.~h6 ~ae8 15.~afl b4
5 •••• After l 5 .. .f6 the engines give l 6.ixg7 cj:;ixg7
4 • •t~.t~~ l 7.t2ld 1:±:, and this position is indeed more
~~'"c0, ~/ "w~'" ~ pleasant for White.
..
3 •
~0) ~"··· ,,, ,,·z···./·· %;'.0
2
1
tr~t~
f''t''''/~(''''/./,,,,,\»'//''''/
~~~r~ 16.~xg7
In case of 16.t2ld1 ixdl 17.gxdl t2ldc6
~~ ~ l 8.ixg7 cj:;ixg7 19.gdfl f6 20.d bxd 21.bxd
a b c d e f g h d5 22.ge 1 gd8 23.exdS t2lxd5 24.ie4 t2le5
13 ... bS 25.t2lf3 gfe8= the play is approximately
This is a standard move, gaining queenside balanced.
space, but it allows the exchange of dark-
squared bishops that White is angling for. 16 ... @xg7 17.CtJdl ~xdl 18.'\Wxdl
White seems to be a bit better because of his
l 3 .. .f6!? bishop, but in fact things are not that clear:
Therefore this makes sense, as the exchange
of bishops is now less effective.
14.ie3! 18 ... dS?!
Chapter 17 - 6.~e3 325
This was played in a high-level game, but B52) 10 ....ie6

may not be best.
I also looked at l 8 ... '\Wa4!?, which could be the

route to equality or even a way to play for the full
point. After, for example, 19.ih3 (19.iWal!?;
l 9.'1Wg4 '1Wxa2 20.c3 '1We6!) l 9 ... '1Wxa2 20.c3
l2Jdc6 2 l .iWf3 'LJgS it's unclear to me whether
White has enough for the pawn.
19.c3 hxc3 20.hxc3 ttJdc6 21.Wf3?!

Oleg Romanishin is a great positional player,
but here his intuition fails him.
A better try is 2 l .exd5! 'LJxd5 22.iWb3! gdS

23.iWb5 '1Wd6 24.d4! cxd4 25.c4 'LJe3 26.'1Wxc6 somehow feel that this is more natural
'LJxfl 27.~xfl:t v,:hen in my opinion Black is than 1O... ig4, although both moves should be
struggling, so in fact my recommendation of good enough for equality.
18 ... '\Wa4!? acquires paramount importance.
11.ttJh4
After 21. °\Wf.3?! in Romanishin - J. Horvath, Not the only move of course, but a quite
Balatonbereny 1993, Black could have logical one. It demonstrates the main difference
equalized with: from having the knight on e2, as now White
intends to push f4-f5.
l l.'LJg5 id7 12.gf2 gcS! 13.gafl f6 14.l2Jf3
ie6 l 5.h3 exf4 16.ixf4 'LJxf3t 17.gxf3 d5
l 8.exd5 'LJxd5 l 9.ih6 'LJxc3 20.bxc3 '1Wd7=
was balanced in Makarichev - Ubilava, Tallinn
1983, and the players agreed to a draw after a
few more uneventful moves.
Relinquishing the centre by l l .fxe5 dxe5
l 2.'LJg5 does not seem to be a great idea to
me, as it frees Black's play. l 2 ... ig4 l 3.h3
id7 l 4.l2Jd5 'LJxd5 l 5.exd5 b6 (15 ... ih6!?N+
looks even better) l 6.d6
a b c d e f g h
21...Wd6N 22.exdS ttJeS 23.Wf6t Wxf6
24J:hf6 gS 25.d4 cxd4 26.cxd4 ttJg4 27.d6
gxh4 28.dxe7 gxe7=
a b c d e f g h
16 .. .f6! 17.idSt ~h8 18.ixd4 cxd419.~g2 13 ... c4!?N

!J'.cS 20.C2Jf7t !J'.xf7 2 l .ixf7 ~fS 22.idS ~xd6 This is my idea.
23.g4 ih6 24.!J'.ael ie3t 2S.~hl if4~ Black
had fantastic compensation for the exchange 13 ... !J'.adS happened in Speelman - Portisch,
and went on to win in Vibbert - Quesada London 1982, bur I don't like it so much in
Perez, Arlington 2014. view of 14.i.gSoc.
l l .!J'.f2 is of course one of the most logical 14.@hl cxd3 1S.cxd3 ~fe8 16.~h6
moves in the position and has been played I cannot see anything more constructive for
by Short. However, Black's pieces are White than this, bur we are well placed to meet
harmoniously placed, and for this reason he it.
can equalize immediately: l l...exf4! l 2.ixf4
lt'lxf3t 13.!J'.xf3 (13.ixf3?! looks inferior, and 16 ... ~xh6 17.Wxh6 Wes!
after 13 ... lt'lc6 14.!J'.afl lt'leS IS.ie2 Wb6 Centralization is the key; once the black
I 6.b3 WaS+ Black has the slightly better queen reaches eS we have nothing to fear. One
chances.) l 3 ... Wb6 14.!J'.b 1 dS= possible line is:
Finally, 11.!J'.ael f6!? 12.b3 Wd7 13.lt'le2 dS! 18.~bel Wes 19.~dS ~xdS 20.exdS ~efS!
14.fxeS lt'lxf3t 1 S.!J'.xf3 d4! l 6.exf6 dxe3 21.~xfS ~xfS
17.Wc3 ihs 18.!J'.efl b6 19.!J'.xd !J'.ae8 20.eS With slightly better prospects for Black.
lt'lfS+ saw Black eventually emerge victorious
in Cross - K. Rodriguez, corr. 2008, but I can Conclusion
hardly claim this was all forced.
In my view, the most likely positions in the
11 ... exf4! l 2.~xf4 Wb6! Closed Sicilian to mishandle are those where
The pawn on b2 is a weakness in these lines, White succeeds in exchanging dark-squared
and Black usually attacks it in order to gain bishops, as that potentially reduces our king's
time for his development. safety. These positions normally arise in systems
where White refrains from an early f2-f4, in
13.~abl particular when White chooses 6.ie3. As the
reader may have noticed, in those systems I
have chosen a different set-up, involving ... eS,
in an effort to fortify the dark squares as much
as possible. I would advise the readers to study
this chapter carefully, as these are perhaps the
only lines where the use of an auto-pilot will
not always help.
a b c d e f g h
Closed Variation
6.f4
Variation Index
1.e4 cS 2.l2k3 ctJc6 3.g3 g6 4.~g2 ~g7 S.d3 d6 6.f4
6 ... e6 7.ctJf3 ctJge7 8.0-0 0-0
A) 9.g4 329
B) 9.'Wel 330
C) 9.ctJe2 ~b8! 331
Cl) 10.a4!? 331
C2) 10.c3 332
D) 9.@hl 333
E) 9.~d2 335
F) 9.~e3 b6!? 336
Fl) 10.~f2 336
F2) 10.d4 338
C2) after 20.:;dd2! D) note to 1O.~h4!? F2) note to 1O... ~a6!?
8 ~~ ~
7 i 'lli.i.i
6 'Iii i
5 i
4j_ 888
ts 8 ~
23~ ~~~~8
~
16 ... h5!N
1.e4 cS 2.~c3 ~c6 3.g3 g6 4.~g2 ~g7 S.d3

d6 6.f4
The time has come to examine what I would
call the Closed Sicilian proper, namely 6.f4.
This is the standard and most principled move,
preparing to expand with f4-f5 at the earliest
opportunity.
6 ... e6
It is obvious that White aspires to play f4-f5,
so we are blocking him right away! a b c d e f g h
9 ... e5!? 10.ctJg5?!
7.~f3 ~ge7 8.0-0 0-0 1O.fxe5 ctJxe5 l l .ctJxe5 ixe5= is probably
not worse for White, but is less in keeping
with an attacker's spirit.
10 ... exf4 11.gxf4 h6 12.ctJh3 d5! l 3.f5
13.exd5 c2Jb4 14.h5 ctJbxd5+ is the
objectively better continuation for White.
l 3 ... dxe4 l 4.f6
In Van der Weide - Los, Leeuwarden 1993,
Black should have played the obvious:
a b c d e f g h
This is the most basic tabiya of our repertoire.
With f5 turned into a fortress, Black is ready
to pursue his aims in the centre and on the
queenside. But this will very much depend on
how White configures his forces.
a b c d e f g h
White has a wide range of options: A) 9.g4,
B) 9.~el, C) 9.~e2, D) 9.@hl, E) 9.~d2 14 ... ~d4tN 15.~hl ixf6 16.ctJxe4 ig7
and F) 9.~e3. l 7.c3 ~d8 l 8.h5 ctJf5 l 9.hxg6 fxg6+
I cannot see a decent follow-up for White.
9 .a3 E&b8!~ will most likely transpose to
variation E. 9 Jl:b 1 is a respectable choice, which will
most likely transpose to variation E. Here is a
9.h4!? possible deviation: 9 ... E&b8 10.ie3!? Suddenly
A weird idea employed by the Dutch player White switches to ie3 mode, but the
Karel van der Weide, designed to force a unprotected state of the c3-knight allows Black
weakness in the protective cover around the to organize himself in time against the b2-b4
black king. idea. 1O... ctJd4 l l .ctJe2 I can't see anything

Chapter 18 - 6.f4 329
better for White. (l l.~d2 b6! 12.iJ2 [12.b4 This leads to a situation which should be
c2lxf3t 13.ixf3 cxb4 14.gxb4 ctJc6+] 12 ... ib7 well-known to us by now. \Vhite's attack has
13.ctJxd4 cxd4 14.ctJe2 e5= was balanced in been stopped, and Black enjoys the better
Lyrberg - Loginov, Kecskemet 1992.) chances in the centre and on the queenside -
where the fight will mostly take place. Let us
see how play might develop:
11.ctJe2
TI1is looks like a logical attempt to control
d4 and block the pressure on the long diagonal.
1he alternative l l .ie3 should be answered by

l l ... ctJd4!+, with the idea to further pressurize
the e4-square by means of ... id7-c6. For
example, 12.~d2 id7! 13Jhel ic6 14.~hl
a b c d e f g h ~b6 l 5.b3 gae8 16.ctJgS?! was Medina Garcia
l 1...ctJxf3t! The right piece to take. l 2.ixf3 - Hort, Palma de Mallorca 1969, and here
b6 13.c3 ib7 14.b4 ~d7 15.a3 gfc8 16.c4 most accurate was the simple 16 ... ~aSN+
ge8 l 7.~b3 ctJc6 l 8.ig2 ge7! An excellent with a large advantage for Black.
Nimzowitschian idea, giving more freedom to
the b8-rook along the 8th rank and protecting After l l.ctJe2 Black is given the chance to
the queen. The position is balanced, and expand on the queenside:
Krajnc - Gallinnis, email 2008, was eventually
drawn after an interesting tussle.
Finally, one last move I would like to comment

upon is 9.a4!?. After 9 ... b6! 10.ie3 dS l l.if2
d4 12.ctJbl e5 13.ctJa3 exf4 14.gxf4 ig4
l 5.~d2 ~d7 16.c2lc4 f6x the result is anyone's
guess, but I am optimistic about Black's chances
as he has good development and a safe king.
A) 9.g4 fS! 10.gxfS exfS
12.c3 ~bs 13.li.e3 b4 I4JWc2 ~as

ISJ:Hel
bxc3 16.hxc3 $i.a6
Black has reached an ideal configuration,
tying his opponent down to the defence of his
fragile central skeleton.
a b c d e f g h
17.CDgS It is hard for me to understand what this

An attempt to take advantage of the only aspires to, bur in any case I am satisfied with
weakness in the Black camp, namely e6. Black's chances after the natural reply.
s ¥11 R ~~•R 9... CDd4 10.CDxd4

10.\Wf2 id7! l 1.h4 (l l.ie3 ~b6 12.gab 1
~ ~i
5~~./,.:~@
7 •• gad8+ is also better for Black) was Boyd
LJR'f j.:~ R
/, ,/, ~ ' //,,,,,, ,,,,,,~'
6.tR'I)• RiR - Wells, Sheffield 201 1, and here Black

could simply have ignored his opponent's
3.RVR'L)R~r~
demonstration with the typical:
4
~ ~~~.
f,,J ~,j ~
2 ~
f"~ • ~,,,~ ~~rn~
f~-r~~~
a b c d e f g h
17... fxe4!
And this is a typical way to counter it!
If White now takes back with the d-pawn
on e4, the a6-bishop will settle on c4, covering a b c d e f g h
everything.
11 .. .fS!N+ The main thing is that after 12.hS?!
gxh5! l 3.ie3 \Wb6 it looks impossible for
18.CDxe4 CDfS 19.iJ2 CDce7=i=
White to recover the pawn, and Black will go
Black had a small but clear advantage in
on to build pressure against the enemy centre
Vohl - Morozov, corr. 2010, in view of the
by putting his bishop on c6 as usual.
better pawn structure and the excellent base
on f5 for his knights.
10 ... cxd4 11.CDe2 °1Wb6 12.@hl
12.1Wf2 e5 13.c4 f5 l 4.b3 id7+ is better
B) 9.°IWel
for Black, a typical line being 15 .id2 ic6
16.:i:hel gae8 17.ct:lcl g5! 18.exfS ct:lxf5
l 9.ixc6 bxc6 20.~B gxf4 21.gxf4 ge6!? with
some attacking chances.
12... ~d7 13.c3 dxc3 14.bxc3 °1Wa6 15.°1Wd2

~bS I6JH3
We have followed Piesina - Zagorskis,
Kaunas 2001, and here I like the logical:
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 18 - 6.f4 331
9 ... ~b8!
Preparing to cramp White's queenside with a
march of the b-pawn.
White's main tries are Cl) I0.a4!? and
C2) I0.c3.
Instead, 10.<iihl bS l l.g4 fS 12.gxfS exfS

13.4Jg3 b4 14.'We2 h6 lS.Ei'.bl 'Wast 16.ie3?!
fxe4 l 7.4Jxe4 ctJfS 18.iJ2 id7+ produced a
typically excellent position for Black in Anurag
- Saiyn, Sharjah 2013.
a b c d e f g h 1O.d4 cxd4 l l.4Jfxd4 ct:Jxd4 l 2.4Jxd4

16 ... fS!?N 17.~d4 fxe4 18.dxe4 ~c4 19.a4
eS
l 9 .. Jhd8!?+ could be even better.
20.fxeS dxeS 21.~xfSt ~xf8 22.~c2 ~e6

23.~a3 ~f7:i:
The benefits of striking at White's fragile
centre have been revealed. Once the position
opens up Black is slightly better due to having
a better pawn skeleton, and White is merely
trying to hold. a b c d e f g h
~-j_~ ~~·-
12 ... eS!?N (12 ... 'Wb6 13.ie3 'Wxb2 is less clear
in view of 14.'Wd3 'Wb4 l SJfabl 'WaS 16.ct:JbS
b6 I7Ji'.b3~) I3.4Jb3 'Wc7+ This looks like a
8
7 i~·~r
/,
&/~ ,, ~fg;c
;: : A ~@m ~.
i ~i
, •• ,.% .. ,
risk-free advantage for Black.
6 /, R'))•iRiR Cl) I0.a4!?
5 1:%§ ·~1·.~.,, ~/@. ... ~.~.i~

4 ~. n·. Rt3Jf~ . R
:: ~ ~%:f
~~U/ /
•0//% ,
3 ~· ~;% fj ~tZ)r~
2 fj
~/~;:'
w~r~~iiIDW~
w:f ..... / %:t&. '/.. /~~/, ./~. ·~/.
fj fJtZ)~~t~
R ~
r@J 1~'§~~§~
a b c d e f g h
This is supposed to be a flexible move,
maintaining the option of playing either in the
centre or on the kingside with g3-g4 later on. I
think the most principled reaction is:
An interesting possibility, but Black can

react as follows:
10 ... b6 11.c3 ~a6 12.~e3

l 2Jfb 1?! dS 13.eS d4 l 4.c4 ct'Jf5+ is quite
unimpressive.
12 ... dS!?
This will lead to simplifications.
A complicated position arises after 12 .. .'\Wd7

l 3.if2 fS 14.Ei'.el 00 •
13.eS d4! 14.cxd4 GtJfS 15.~f2 'tJcxd4! 17 ... 'tJe3

16.'tJexd4 cxd4 This has to be played immediately, bur the
In the resulting situation an eventual knight result will be a draw anyway.
jump to e3 will secure equality. For example:
18.~xe3 dxe3 19.hS ~h7 20.d4 ~e4! 21.;gel
17.h4 Wff dS 22.;gxe3 ;gfd8=
Trying to stifle the a6-bishop. The d4-pawn will fall and, in view of the
opposite-coloured bishops, the outcome will
After 17.~e2 ~e7! 18.Ei'.fcl Ei'.fc8 19.Ei'.xcSt almost certainly be a draw.
Ei'.xc8 it is rather White who has to be careful,
but the result is a draw all the same: C2) 10.c3
a b c d e f g h
The German player Christian Gabriel, who
has been the specialist in this line for White,
In case of 17.Ei'.el ~d7 18.b4 Black has gained
used to rely on this move.
a tempo for pressure on the d-file, so the jump
is effective: 18 ... ct'Je3 l 9.ixe3 dxe3 20.Ei'.xe3
10 ... bS II.Wic2 b4
gfd8~
I consider this position to be an opening
Chapter 18 - 6.f4 333
success for Black, as lines will be opened on the

queenside and it is he who dictates the play.
I2.1ie3
l 2.c4?! is strongly met by: l 2 ... a5! 13J~b 1
(13.ie3 a4! 14.d4 b3 l 5.axb3 Ei'.xb3! 16.Ei'.a3
cxd4 l 7.LtJfxd4 Ei'.xe3! 18.LtJxc6 LtJxc6 l 9.Ei'.xe3
Wb6 20.c5 dxc5+)
D) 9.@hl
a b c d e f g h
13 ... a4! l 4.Wxa4 b3! and White seems to be
in trouble.
I2 ... bxc3 I3.hxc31ia6

The bishop is strongly placed here, pressing
d3, and the queen will reach a nice spot on a5
next move. Black may nor be better, but his
position is comfortable and easier to play in a
practical game.
I4JUdl
14.Ei'.abl Wa5 15.LtJd2 was played in Diaz
Fernandez - Suarez Real, Spain 1996, and
This seems to be a non-committal move, bur
looks more to the point. However, even rhen
it is clear to me that it is closely connected with
Black is fine by replying with 15 ... Ei'.fdS~ or
plans involving g3-g4 and LtJe2 above anything
15 ... ib5~.
else. So, I think chat an excellent reply is:
14 .. .\Was 15.g4 gfcs I6.1if2 1Wa3 17.gahl

9 ... b6!
1ih5 18.°!!;%21Wxb2 I9.gxb21ia4 20.gdd2!
This move has the advantage of ruling out
20.Ei'.db 1? ic2!+
1O.ie3 due to 1O... d5! followed by l l ... dxe4+,
so White is only left with the plan of a kingside
So far we have been following Gabriel -
arrack.
Miladinovic, Singapore 1990. At this point
strongest is:
With this move White is threatening f4-f5. the g-pawn, and this gives White valuable
attacking chances.
10.g4?! f5! l l.gxf5 exf5 12.\Wel (12.e5 dxe5
13.CLJxe5 ib7 14.ie3 '.§:b8+ is also bad for
White) 12 ... Wd7! 13.id2 (again, 13.e5 '.§:b8!
14.CLJb5 dxe5 15.fxe5 CLJb4 16.CLJa3 f4!+ is
better for Black) 13 ... ib7 14.\Wh4 '.§:ae8
15.a3 CLJd4 This was another smooth opening
enterprise for Black, and he went on to win in
San Claudio Gonzalez- Dimitrov, Lalin 1994.
8
7
6 ,
~~*-
10.CLJe2 is best answered in the following way:
:i-1.~.
~ ~~ ~ , ~ ,
"flf .rm R.t. • 11.fS!?
~ ~ ~
·b·~-
5~
~
mbr~
m
L.-:c W~ ~
With the knight on h4, blocking the centre
3..brib•~-~-
4
2
1 ~~ miiim M•~
~ by 1 l .e5?! looks too slow. I will give a sample
line: l 1...\Wd7 12.id2 ib7 13.CLJf3 '.§:ae8
14.a3 f6! 15.exf6 ixf6+ Black has organized
himself perfectly and holds a slight edge.
a b c d e f g h
11... exf5 12. exfS ctJ xfS 13. ctJ xfS .ixfS
1O... Wd7!!N White overprotects the e6-square
14.ctJxdS
in preparation of .. .f5 and also keeps the l 4.'.§:xf5 gxf5 l 5.CLJxd5 is another idea,
c8-bishop flexible. l l .c3 ( l l .d4? ia6!+ leaves yet after l 5 ... \Wd7 intending .. J~ae8, the
Black much better) l l...f5! l 2.ie3 ia6! Black computer thinks that White's compensation is
has strong pressure against White's centre.
not enough.
A possible continuation is: l 3.1Wc2 c4! l 4.dxc4!
(14.d4?! fxe4 l 5.Wxe4 ib7 16.CLJg5 CLJd8!i
leaves Black with a positional advantage due
to his absolute control over the light squares.)
14 ... ixc4 15.:§:fel fxe4 16.\Wxe4 id5 17.Wc2
CLJf5 18.igl \Wb7! 19.:§:adl CLJb4 20.cxb4 ixf3
2 l .CLJc3 '.§:ac8= The chances are approximately
balanced, but ifI was called to choose a side it
would be Black.
10... dS!
In this particular case this is the best move.
Instead, I O.. .f5 l 1.exf5!± produces a situation

where Black probably has to retake with
Chapter 18 - 6.f4 335
14 ... ~e6 I5)2Jf4 ~d7 16.'DdS gc8!?:f I2.b4!

White finds it hard to develop his queenside I consider this logical move to be best.
without weakening himsel( so Black's position
is once more for preference. After 12.~hl a5 13.a4 b414.ctJb5 4Ja7!~ the
point of l l...Vlef d7!? is revealed, as the strong
~-.t~
E) 9.~d2 b5-knighr will be exchanged.
8 m••
7., /,,,/ ,,.,a ~~·~
,,Y,
8
7 ell~~-*---·-'
//, ~if~
~ i ~-*•
,/,,,,,,
~r ,,,,,,~
6 Rll)•iRiR 6 ~-~-
//
-
5 t_;:a::_~, t,\ WJ_:_&c' ;/,_-~
;:A;: C:.2__J ;:A;: ~
~'~
/%
~--
~- ' ~
~-
~
~
sR •RR 4ls~ ~ls~~

~ /~/, /, /,,/
4 R i~:Rb~ R 3 ~~
,/;:~ ~ls~~~
/:!::f/ ~/ ;: --~
3
~m/
~
~
/ A ~IJ-IJ. /:";'\ ://AA
:~o~~fd
//
'//,,,,
2 ¥8-ls~ -~~
~M·°iV·M·@
/;,.,,/
2
1
b~b~ -~~
~~
~-j
a b
~if-·:=
~ a
c d e f
LJ
g h
a b c d e f h
l 5.ctJxa7 Vlefxa7 l 6.ie3 d5 l 7.e5 d4 l 8.id2
b3 19.cxb3 ia6 20.Vlefc2 Vlefb6 21.~fcl ~fc8
22.ctJe 1 ctJd5t Black went on to win in Spassky
g
Designed to put a stop to Black's queenside

activity, bur it seems that it doesn't quire
- J. Polgar, Monaco 1994.
succeed:
12 ... 'Dd4N
This is of course a logical reaction, bur there
9 ... bS! 10.a3 ~b8 11.gbl ~d7!?
are alternatives:
This is a nice move, associated with a fine
positional idea.
12 ... a6 l 3.bxc5 (l 3.ctJe2!?) l 3 ... Vlef a7 14.~h 1
Vlefxc5 l 5.e5! d5 keeps the position closed, bur
Alternatively, l l...a5 l 2.a4! b4 13.ctJ b5! is not
16.Vlefcl was probably slightly better for White
at all clear. White could even be slightly better
in Tarnowiecki - Elwert, corr. 1999.
with such an annoying knight on b5.
12 ... cxb4N 13.axb4 a5!? 14.bxa5 Vlefa7t

15.~h 1 b4 l 6.ctJe2 Vlefxa5 l 7.fe3 b3! l 8.cxb3
ia6~ is given by the machines, and Black's
compensation looks excellent to me.
13.bxcS dxcS 14.eS ~b7~

1be position is rather rough to assess, bur
my feeling is that Black shouldn't be worse.
a b c d e f g h
F) 9 ..ie3 Fl) 10 ..if2
A prophylactic measure, fighting against ... d5.

I think that an interesting reply for Black is:
10 ....ia6!?
Stopping d3-d4, while preparing to complete
mobilization by putting the queen on d7 next.
White has the following choice:
This is universally accepted as the best move

for White, toying with the idea of d3-d4.
9... h6!?
I like this modern treatment quite a lot.
9 ... llld4 I0.e5!? has been the topic of heated

theoretical discussions in the past, and the
evaluation is not unfavourable for Black.
I believe, however, that 9 ... b6!? is simpler to
learn and keeps enough winning chances
for us.
l l.g4?! is met comfortably with l 1...Wd7,
White's main moves are Fl) 10 ..if2 and as the further 12.fS?! d5!t prepares to open
F2) 10.d4. up the game under favourable circumstances
for us. If 13.ih4, then 13 ... exfS 14.exfS
1O.Wd2?! is not so good, because it allows (14.gxf5 dxe4+) 14 ... f6!? 15.Wd2 gxf5 16.gxf5
Black to carry out I0 ... d5 under favourable lllxf5 l 7.ih3 lllce7+ and Black is in absolute
circumstances. After l l .if2 dxe4 l 2.dxe4 control.
Wxd2 13.lllxd2 e5 14.lllf3 ie6+ Black has
better chances in the ending, as his pieces 11.Wd2
are more purposefully placed and he controls This is too slow and gives Black time to
more space. accomplish his plan.
11...Wd7 12.a3!?
1OJfb 1 d5 gives Black the initiative according 12.gael gae8 13.g4 f5! 14.gxfS (14.h3 fxe4
to Palliser in Starting Out: Closed Sicilian and is good for Black, as mentioned by Palliser)
I can only agree. 14 ... exfS 15.ih3 d5 16.e5 0Jd8! 17.llle2
d4 18.Sig2 0Je6 19.h4 ib7 20.0Jg5 ixg2
21.®xg2 Wd5t 22.®g3 0Jc6+ Black was
Chapter 18 - 6.f4 337
pressing in Spassky - Atalik, Tallinn (rapid)

1998.
12 .. .fS 13.b4!?N
13.Ei'.fel ~d4 14.~xd4 cxd4 15.~e2
happened in Himanshu -Arun Prasad, New
Delhi 2010, and here 15 ... eSN 16.d dxc3
17.~xd ib7 would have been excellent for
Black.
a b c d e f g h
13 ... ~d4! 14.~xd4 cxd4 15.~e2 ct'Jc6 16.d

dxc3 17.bxd dS 18.exdS (18.eS!? may have
been preferable, but White is worse in any
case) 18 ... exdS 19.Wc2 ib7 20.Wa4 mds
21.Ei'.cl hS 22.h3 Ei'.c7 23.~h2 ~h7 24.Wa3 d4
25.cxd4 aS! 26.h4 ~b4 27.Ei'.xc7 Wixc7 28.ie4
Wd7 29.Wb3 ids 30.ixdS ltJxdS It was clear
that Black was dictating the play, and he went
a b c d e f g h
on to win in Oetela - Pierzak, corr. 2012.
13 ... ~d4!
13 ... fxe4 14.~xe4 ixal 15.Ei'.xal ib7
16.Ei'.el ~fS 17.d~ gives White rather
annoying compensation.
14.~xd4 cxd4 15.~e2 eS 16.a4 ib7
The second player has a fine position with
pressure on e4, and I would rate his chances
as a tiny bit better. For example:
17.aS fxe4 l 8.dxe4 bxaS 19.Ei'.xaS ~c6 20.Ei'.a3
a6 21.d dxc3 22.ct'Jxd
22.Wxd ~a7!
22 ... exf4 23.gxf4 ~xb4 24.~a4 WbS 25.Ei'.b 1
aS 26.~xdG Ei'.ad8 27.WeGt @h8
Black maintains a slight initiative, although
with correct play the game should end in a
draw.
11 .. :~d7 12.d4
A healthy move, but Black is well placed to
l 3 ... cxd4!? l 4.ctJxd4 ctJxd4 l 5.ixd4 e5 l 6.ie3
meet it.
exf4 l 7.ixf4 ic4 18.Wd2 ie6= is closer to my
own philosophy on how the position should
Instead, 12.Wd2 ~hc8 13.Ei'.adl is meek:
be treated. With a nice square on eS for his
pieces Black can hardly be worse, for example:
m Pit i~*m
7• m~~'~'
W'xc6 29.c3 ~dS 30.~g2 bS 31.axhS axbS
s 32.~ce3 ~cb6 33.~xdS
6 m1.m,m
~~
The players agreed a draw in Martin
smbm• mb~
~. . . . ~
m
Molinero - Fessler, corr. 2011.
F2) I0.d4
3m fil: m ~
4
2
~[A%(A·Jw];~~/, i/,rNi
?(..:S~ Q ;;,'i§J~ ~ ~ ~Q~
1 ~~· · ~ . i~ ·~
~j ~ ~,,a ;;,J
a b c d e f g h
l 9J~fl (l 9.ih6 ixh6 20.Wxh6 'Llc6=)

19 ... WcS!? 20J~adl (20.1rig5 Wc5t 21.~hl
gd7=; 20.~h l d5!? 2 l.4Jxd5 4Jxd5 22.exd5
ixb2 23.gadl ic3 00 ) 20 ... Wcst 21.~hl
Wa5+! White has to constantly watch our for
his own queenside weaknesses as well.
14.W'd2 W'c8 ISJ~adl ~fe8 16.~hS a6

17.~a3 W'c7 18.dxcS
l 8.c3!?N d5 19 .e5 00 was by far the critical It seems that this is the critical continuation
test: Black can go after the a4-pawn, but White at this point.
will have an attack. This is the reason I prefer
13 ... cxd4. 10 ... ~a6!?
There is hardly any reason to say no to
developing with gain of time.
10 ... d5
This move does seem to be in perfect shape
as well.
l l .exd5
Black is in good shape after l l .e5 1ria6
12.gel 'Llf5, which is also pointed out by
Palliser.
l l...'Llf5! 12.1rif2 'Llcxd4 13.'Lle5 exd5
14.'Llxd51rie6 l 5.c4 bS!
15 ... gcS l 6J~e l ge8 17.gcl bS l 8.b3 bxc4
19.bxc4 Was 20.g4 ctJd6 21.ih4 00 was
unclear in Bonugli - Estremera Panos, Porto
San Giorgio 2006.
16.b3
19.W'cl ~h4! 20.CtJc4 ~c8 21.eS ~c6 22.b3
W'b7 23.~h4 ~f8= 24.~xd8 ~xd8 25.~dl
~e7 26.~xdSt ~xd8 27.W'd2 ~e7 28.~xc6
Chapter 18 - 6.f4 339
Opening up the long diagonal by 12.dS?! can

only cause White trouble: 12 ... exdS 13.exdS
~aS 14.~d2 (14.ih3 :Sc7 l S.fS ~c4 16.icl
~xfS 17.ixfS gxfS l 8.~h4 IWfG 19.®hS ic8
[19 ... ®d4t 20.@g2 ®g4 2I.®xf5 00 ] 20.@g2
h6+) 14 ... bS! l S.a3 ib7!t The pressure against
d5 becomes annoying.
l 2.if2 is recommended by Palliser. I think

Black should take twice on d4 and follow up
a b c d e f g h with ... es, with the following game being an
16 ... hS!N 17.:Se 1 instructive example: 12 ... ~xd4 l 3.~xd4 cxd4
17.ltJe3?! '.sc8 18.cxbS ®b6 19.~xfS 14.ixd4 eS 1S.if2 (IS.id exf4 16.ixf4
ixfS 20.b4 (20.a4?! ixeS 21.fxeS :Sfd8+) :Se8!~)
20 ... ixeS! 21.fxeS :Sfd8 22.bxcS ®xcS
23.®a4 ic2 24.®aG ®xeS 2S.®xa7 ~e2t
26.@h 1 ie4!~
17 ... :Sb8 18.®d2 bxc4 19.bxc4 :Se8!
Black has placed his pieces in the most active
way, and a march of the a-pawn to a3 is on
the cards. For example:
20.:Sadl
20.:Sab 1? :Sxb 1 21.:Sxb 1 ixeS 22.fxeS ixdS+
20 ... aS! 21.h3 a4 22.®cl
22.g4?! hxg4 23.hxg4 ~h4 24.ixd4 ~xg2
a b c d e f g h
2S.®xg2 cxd4 26.:Sxd4 a3 27.'.sd2 ixdS
28.®xdS (28.cxdS :Sb4t) 28 ... ®c7~ l S... ®d7 (1 S... exf4!? 16.gxf4 :Sc4!?+) 16.®d2
I am tempted to say that it is Black who is gfd8 17.:Sadl ic4 18.h3 ®e6 19.a4 ®d7
pressing after either: 20.:Se3 ct:'lcG Black had a pleasant position
22 ... ®aS 00 and went on to win in Meinhardt - Boensch,
Or 22 ... ®c8!?7:) Germany 2007.
11.~el! 12.a4
Placing the rook on f2 is a bad idea here: An acceptable try, after which I recommend:
11.'.sf2?! dS! l 2.'.sd2 ( 12.~eS cxd4 l 3.ixd4
~xd4 l 4.~xd4 ~cG l S.®a4 ~xeS 16.fxeS
d4 17.tDdS ib7 18.~fGt ixfG 19.exfG eS
20.®b4 ge8+; 12.exdS ~fS! 13.id2 exdSt)
12 ... cthS! l 3.b3 V!l c7 14.eS ~fS l S.if2 cxd4
16.~e2 ~e3 l 7. 1~cl ~xg2 18.@xg2 ~b7!t
Black's advantage is evident.
11..Jks 12JWd2!?
White should stay firm in the centre.
a b c d e f g h
12 ... cxd4! 13.~xd4 ~xd4 14.~xd4 e5 15.~e3

Also possible is: l 3 .. .CtJa5!? l 4.~cb5 e5 Equality is also the result after l 5.iJ2 ~d7
15.fxe5 dxe5 16.~b3 ~xb3 17.cxb3 16.gadl gfd8 17.fxe5 ixe5 18.id4 ~e6
~c6 18.iJl ~e7 l 9.~d6 ~b7 20.~a3 19.~d5 ~xd5 20.exd5 ixd4t 21.~xd4 ~f5
~d7 21.~d6 (2Uhdl ~g4t) 21..J:kd8 22.c3 ge8=.
22.~xd7 gxd7 23.ged 1 mds 24.gxd7
gxd7 25.gcl ib7 26.ic4 if8 27.ciif2
(27.id5 ~d4 28.~xd4 ixd5 29.exd5
exd4 30.ixd4 gxd5+) 27 ... ~d4 00 With an
unclear endgame.
l 4.ixd4 e5 15 .ie3 exf4 l 6.ixf4
Probably better is l 6.gxf4 f5 (l 6 ... gxc3
17.bxc3 ixc3 18.id4 ixel 19.~xel~;
l 6 ... ixc3!? l 7.bxc3 ~c6 00 ) l 7.id4 ixd4 t
18.~xd4 fxe4 19.~xe4 ~f5 20.~d2 ib7+!
with approximate equality.
16 .. .Ctk6! l 7.ih3 ga8 l 8.1Mfxd6 ~d4+!
Black gets at least enough compensation for
the pawn. a b c d e f g h
15 ... Wfc7!
I like this strong move, piling up the pressure
on c3.
White may have an edge after the following

sequence of moves:
15 ... exf4 16.ixf4!
l 6.gxf4 f5+!
16 ... ~c6 17.gadl!?
l 7.~xd6 ~xd6 l 8.ixd6 gfe8 19.gad 1
ic4~
a b c d e f g h
12 ... cxd4!
A clear solution.
I don't like 12 ... ~a5 13.b3 ~c7 14.d5! ixc3

15.~xc3 exd5 16.exd5 ~xd5 17.~d2~ so
much, as we could fall under an attack after
f4-f5.
a b c d e f g h
13.lthd4 ctJxd4!
l 3 ... ~a5!? l 4.b3 e5 l 5.~db5± 17 ... ~e5 18.ig5 ~c4! 19.~cl ~c7 20.~d5!
~c5t!
Chapter 18 - 6.f4 341
20 ... ixb2? 2 l .4Jf6t± 22.eS?! is also weak because of 22 ... lcifS+.

21.~hl 4Jxb2 22.4Je7t ~h8 23.El'.dS! \Wb4
24.lcixc8 El'.xc8 25.a3 \Wxa3 26.eS!? 22.if4 El'.ed8 23.id6 El'.e8 could be the prelude
26.if4 \Wa4 27.\Wal \Wxal 28.El'.xal ib7 to a repetition.
7.-*-•Bi:Bi:B<eB
29.El'.xd6 lcic4 30.El'.xa7 4Jxd6 31.ixd6 El'.d8
32.eS ixg2t 33.@xg2 if8=
s
26 ... ixeS 27.if4!
27.El'.exeS dxeS 28.El'.d7 ~g8 29.El'.xa7 h6 g~ . , . ,
~. BiB
/ . / 'l/... ". ~,
30.if6 \Wd6 31.El'.xa6 lcidl! 32.h3 lcif2t
33.@gl \Wxf6 34.\Wd2 hS!? (34 ... 4Jxh3t
35.ixh3 El'.d8 00 ) 35.\Wxf2 \Wxf2t 36.@xf2
6 ./
5
././ou/~./ //. /
El'.xc2t 37.@gl El'.c3 38.~h2 fS 39.El'.xb6
~g7~
4
~N:i
B·muBlSB.B ~ ~~~
27 ... 4Jc4 28.ixeSt dxeS 29.El'.d7!
29.\Wxa3 4Jxa3 30.El'.dxeS @g7=
3 fG
2 /,, ././,tra . BiL~
~9-:: ~ rqi
~ ~11~~
29.\WgS @g8 30.\Wf6 (30.El'.d7 ibS)
30 ... E&f8 00 R L.J ~,,i -~
R
29 ... \Wxcl 30.El'.xcl ibS 31.El'.xt7 a5 00 /t a b c d e f g h
Black has two pawns for the exchange and 22 .. .l2k6 23.eS ~d4! 24.°1Wf4 ~e6 2S.°1Wa4
a passed a-pawn, but my feeling is that the °1Wc4
activity of the white pieces matters most in Black is at least equal. White does not have
this case. an effective way of attacking, and if Black can
somehow exchange light-squared bishops the
16.:§:adl exf4 17Jhf4 '\West 18.@hl °1Wb4! first player could easily end up worse.
19.°IWcl .iixc3 20.bxc3 °1Wxc3 2I..iixd6 :§:fe8cx,
We have reached an important position for Conclusion
the evaluation of 10 ... ia6!?. Normally White
should have an edge in such a position in view In this chapter, with White clearly aiming for
of the bishop pair and the weakened black the advance f4-f5, I have returned to the ... e6,
kingside, bur a few important factors render ... lcige7 set-up.
the assessment unclear: I think that the results of this work have
1) Black has the better pawn structure and vindicated my choice as I couldn't find any
the more active pieces. problem for us, but on the other hand, I have
2) It is difficult for White to initiate pressure to admit that White's status is better than I
on the f-file due to Black's control of the expected.
critical fl-square. Overall, the Closed Sicilian is alive and
3) e4-e5 would allow the black knight to kicking, but the offered repertoire should
come to f5 with strong effect. enable readers to face it with confidence and
defuse any attacking attempts. In practical
22.a3 chess the positions are easier to play with
22.\Wf4? has a brutal threat in ie5, but after Black, bur objectively the chances are about
22 ... lcifS!+ Black gets a significant advantage. equal.
i
a b c d e f g h
2...g6
Variation Index
l.e4 cS 2.CLJf3
2 ... g6
A) 3.d4 343
B) 3.c3 dS 4.exdS! WfxdS 5.d4 ig7 344
Bl) 6.ie3 346
B2) 6.CLJa3 cxd4 347
B21) 7.ic4 347
B22) 7.CLJbS CLJa6 349
B221) 8.CLJbxd4 349
B222) 8.ie3 350
Bl) after 13.~el B22) note to move 8 B222) note to 1O.ie2
5 /"~/
4 .'if
3 .y }j ~ll:Jr '
2 88 :!::s.8(8
,·.:: w~ ::
13...~h6!N IO .. .c2ih6!N5: 10 ... ig4!N

Chapter 19 - 2 ... g6 343
1.e4 c5 2.CDf3 g6 This is considered to be slightly better for

2 ... aG is the only Sicilian where 3.d4 is not White by Esserman, but I have my doubts.
the main line, but actually a weak choice. All
sorts of Anti-Sicilian looking moves such as
3.c3, 3.c4, 3.CDc3 and 3.g3 seem to offer White
the advantage and are considered main lines,
so for understandable reasons I will refrain
from offering any repertoire for Black here.
2 ... gG is usually the prelude to an Accelerated

Draa-ont,
or the Maroczv,-
but what if White
doesn't play a pure 3.d4 at this point? I decided
to investigate two options involving the move
c2-d: A) 3.d4 and B) 3.c3.
A) 3.d4 cxd4 4.c3!? a b c d e f g h

13 ... ~e6
Leading us into Morra Gambit territory, where This logical reply was suggested by John
I think that fianchettoing is a decent option Shaw, and Black shouldn't be any worse. For
for Black. example:
4 ... dxc3 5.CDxc3 CDc6 6.~c4 14.~xe6 fxe6 15.E'.fel!

6.h4 should be met by 6 .. .CD f6, as mentioned 15.We2?! We7+ is excellent for Black, who is
by Marc Esserman in his book Afayhem in the planning to advance in the centre with ... e5.
A1orra.
6
5
4 /~
3 ~
2 b . [s . l!J b ~tst
jI ;~~st/ M/ a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
1s ... CDc4!
6 ... ~g7 7.eS CDh6! 8.0-0 0-0 9.~f4 d6 Marc probably had the following line in
I0.exd6 exd6 11.°1Wd2 mind: 15 ... Wd7 16.CDe4! With a direct threat
11.ixd6 ~e8 12.if4 ig4= is balanced. of ctJc5. 16 ... ctJc4 17.~e2 4Jxb2 18J;d2 TI1e
complications are not unfavourable for White:
11...CDfS 12.E'.adl CDaS 13.~dS
344 2.~f3
4.e5 4Jc6 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4

Black has omitted ... ig7, and this detail
proves beneficial to him as he has gained a
precious tempo to attack the enemy centre:
16.~e2 ~c8 17.~xe6t

There is nothing else. 6 ... .ig4 7 ..ib5 ~b6 8 ..ixcGt bxc6 9.4Jbd2
~ a6 1O.h3 .if5
17 ... @hS 18.~cl There is now a parting of the ways:
18 ..igS ~e8 l 9.~xe8 2'.fxe8 20.2'.xe8t 2'.xe8
21 ..icl h5= is completely balanced, as Black
can follow up by taking on c3 and bringing his
king to g7.
18 .. .Cthb2 19.~xb2 ~xc3 20.~b3 ~f6

2I.~xc3 ~xc3 22.~xb7 tbh4 23.tbxh4
~xf2t 24.@hl ~xh4=
B) 3.c3 dS 4.exdS!
a b c d e f g h
l l.g4
This looks tempting, but it creates a long-
term weakness that Black can exploit later
on. However, the alternatives give White no
advantage either:
a) l l.4Jh4!? .id3 12.eG c5! 13.exf7t ~xf7
14.4Jhf3 (14.4Jb3 cxd4 will probably
transpose) 14 ... ig7 15.4Jb3 cxd4 16.4Jbxd4
.ixd4!? l 7.4Jxd4 4Jf6 18.4Jf3 ~g7 l 9.4Je5
~ e6= is not worse for Black.
b) 11. 4J b3 e6 l 2 ..id2 looks strategically
better for White, bur with his king stuck in
the middle he has little hope of progressing
This is White's best option. after l 2 ... 2'.b8~.
Chapter 19 - 2 ... g6 345
11...icS 12.lt:J b3 e6 13.id2 h5! 14.gS staunchest defender from Black's point of
2'.b8 15.~c2 lt:Je7 16.lt:JcS ~bS 17.b4 ia6! view. An encouraging fact for Black supporters
18.lt:JxaG ~xa6 19.2'.cl lt:JfS! 20.a3 is that even players like Giri, Navara, Kamsky,
20.~xcGt ~xc6 21.2'.xcG ixb4!! 22.ixb4 Li Chao and Korobov have lately been willing
c;tid?! 23.2'.aG 2'.hc8!! 24Jfxa7t c;ties 25.0-0 to enter this position as Black, a fact suggesting
2'.xb4+ is the brilliant tactical point behind that the set-up is fully playable.
Black's play.
The two main moves are Bl) 6.~e3 and
B2) 6.'Lla3.
6.ie2 is too quiet to put Black under any

pressure: 6 ... cxd4! (6 ... lt:Jf6 7.0-0 0-0 8.c4
Wd8 9.dS lt:Je4 10.2'.el ig4, as played in
Xu Jun - Li Chao, Jakarta 2012, looks a bit
worse for Black after the natural l 1.h3N ixf3
12.ixf3 lt:Jd6 l 3.Wc2 lt:Jd7 l 4.if4±) 7.cxd4
lt:Jf6 8.lt:Jc3 ~d6 9.0-0 0-0 10.~b3 lt:Jc6
11.dS lt:JeS 12.lt:JxeS WxeS l 3.ie3 e6 l 4.if3
a b c d e f g h
lt:JxdS 15.lt:JxdS exdS 16.ixdS ifS Black had
20 ... 2'.bG 21.~c3 ie7 22.lt:Jgl 0-0 23.lt:Je2 h4 achieved complete equality in Boesendorfer -
24.f4 Wa4 25.~b2 2'.c8 26.2'.fl cS!+ Moza, corr. 2010.
Black was left with a huge positional
advantage, which he eventually converted, in Finally, 6.dxcS allowed Black free play and
Ilyuschenko - Jung, corr. 2008. equal chances after: 6 ... ~xc5 7.ie3 Was
8.lt:Jbd2 lt:Jf6 9.lt:Jc4 Wc7 1o.Wa4t! id7
4...°'.WxdS S.d4 ~g7
Theory has long considered this position Belyakov - Gupta, Doha 2014.
to be slightly better for White, bur the
correspondence player Manfred Moza seems
to have his objections and has been its
346 2.LLJf3
Bl) 6.~e3 13 ... 4Je8!=

Black enjoys fair chances m chis typical
Reversed Tarrasch position.
7.dxcS °IWxdl t 8.@xdl CLJg4!

This gives Black strong compensation for his
pawn.
Also possible is:

6 ... cxd4 7 .cxd4!
7.~xd4?! CtJf6 8.4Jbd2 4Jc6 9.~c4 °\Wd6=
was comfortable for Black in Kreutz - Moza, 9.CLJbd2 CLJd7 I0.CLJb3 0-0 11.h3 ctJxe3t
corr. 2011. 12.fxe3 ~d8 13.@el
7 ... CtJf6 8.4Jc3 1Wa5 9.~c4 0-0 10.0-0 We have been following Mammadov -
10.h3 4Je4= Gupta, Nakhchivan 2013, and now best is:
a b c d e f g h
13 ... ~h6!N 14.@f2 CLJf6 15.CLJfd2 aS 16.a4
~e6 17.~c4 CLJe4t! 18.ctJxe4 ~xc4 19.ctJed2
~dS
Black has excellent counterplay.
Chapter 19 - 2 ... g6 347
B2) 6.ct:~a3 Se bag - Kamsky, Gibraltar 2014, but White's

opening was rather timid.
This is the most common continuation,

a b c d e f g h
planning a quick ltJ b5 to force the b8-knight 8.~e3 ctJh6 9.cxd4 0-0 10.ctJbS
to the passive a6-square. 10.0-0 led to a drawish ending after
1O... ig4 l 1.!xh6 !xh6 12.Ei:e 1 ®f4 l 3.Ei:xe7
6 ... cxd4 ctJc6 14.Ei:xb7 Ei:ab8! 15.Ei:xbS Ei:xb8 16.b3 !g7
Once the knight has moved to a3, taking 17.ctk2 Ei:d8 18.®cl ®xclt 19.Ei:xcl ixf3
on d4 is a natural reaction in all c3 Sicilians. 20.gxf3 ctJxd4= in Gahan - Konguvel, New
We have reached an important crossroads: Dehli 2009, and two subsequent games.
.r•.t.• ~~--
B21) 7.~c4 or B22) 7.ctJbS.
~ ~~
:r~~.
B21) 7.~c4 ~e4t 8
1~iTi
,r.j ~" ~~%'.I Y,~
7 ... ~d8, as played by Kamsky, deserves a look

too. 8.~b3 e6 9.cthd4 ctJc6 10.ltJxc6 bxc6 ~ ;;,;;;'@ ~ /,,,,,,,,
l l.ie3 ttJf6 12.~b4 id7 13.ib3 ctJd5 14.~cS sBCLJB BB

4 -~~~~- •
3B B ~cZJ~
~ ~ /,uu~ ~
2 tWl •
l ~ ,,~ ~ ~ w /1
WltWl
t~ ~~~ ~ :
4 a b c d e f g h
3 ,~i}::/ 10 ... ctJfS!
2 8 /8: A specialty of Moza, who has proved that the
1 ;~• black position is resilient enough on no less
a b c d e f g h than three occasions.
l 4 ... ltJxe3 l 5.~xe3 0-0 16.gd 1 vtf c7 17.W c5

ll.~e2
Ei:fd8 l 8. ctJc4 le8~ Black went on to win in
348 2.ctJf3
11. '1W d2 left Black in good shape after: 25.ixe4 ixh3 26.:sUbl ge2 27.if3 gc2
11...ieG!! 12.ixe6 fxe6 13.0-0 28Jkl gb2 29.ctJc7 h5
Black's pawn armada compensates for the
missing rook.
8 /?/.~>/
/ /;/ '§" ///
7 /i ~
6
5
a b c d e f g h
30.4Jd5 e6 31.ctJf6t <iig7 32.4Je4 ib6
33.gcb 1 gc2 34.a4 h4 35.aS ie3 36.gb? gS
37Ji'.b3
37.ctJd6!? g4 38JM7t ~h6 39J~el g3!
40J~h7t <iigS 41.ctJe4t ~g6 42.ctJxg3
<iixh7 43J~xe3 (43.ie4t <iih6 44.ixc2
l l.ctJc7 ctJc6!! 12.ctJxaS 4Jcxd4! if2=) 43 ... ga2=
Black's attack is enough to draw. 37 ... if4 38.ctJxgS ixgS 39.ggl <iif6 40.idl
l 3.°1Wd3 if5!=
l 3.ctJxd4 ctJxd4 14.0-0 ih3! 15.gxh3 ctJf3t V2-V2 The players agreed a draw in the
16S¥Jhl ctJd2t= heavyweight struggle Demchenko - Moza,
corr. 2013.
a b c d e f g h
l 3 ... 4Jxf3t l 4.gxf3 °1Wxf3 15.idS °1Wh5 l 6.°1We2

'\Wh4 17.0-0 id7 18.ixb7 gb8 19.ig2 gxb2
20.°1Wf3 ieS 2 l .h3 ctJxe3 22.°1Wxe3
22.fxe3? gxg2t!!-+
22 ... id4 23.°1We4 ixf2t 24.<iihl °1Wxe4
Chapter 19 - 2 ... g6 349
18.cj;>fz 'Wd6 19.~b3 ct:Jd7 20.'Wc6 ct:Jf6 rim is not the end of the world. After all, his
21. cj;>ez other pieces are enjoying excellent activity, and
if White takes with a piece on d4 Black will
enjoy a pawn more in the centre. Let us see
how White may proceed: B221) 8.CLJbxd4
is undoubtedly a main move, though B222)
8.~e3 also looks like a logical reply.
Weaker is instead 8.~a4?! id7 9.cxd4 !!c8!

1O.ie2, as played in Pedersen - Hagen,
Denmark 2012, due to:
a b c d e f g h
21...CtJg4 22.ctJdS ~b7 23.'Wxd6 exd6 24.h3
~xdS 25.hxg4 ~a8 26.gS ~g7 27Jk3 aS
28.a3 a4 29.~a2 b4 30.axb4 El:b8 31.E'l:f2
hS=
The ending was approximately balanced in
Beth - Moza, corr. 2012.
B22) 7.CLJ bS
B221) 8.CLJbxd4 ct:Jf6 9.~bSt ~d7 10.'We2!
White does have a slight pull but Black should

be able to nullify it in due course.
10 ... ~xbS 11.CLJxbS!

Weaker is 11.~xbSt ~xb5 12.ltJxbS 0-0
(12 ... ctJdS!= was even better, when White
had absolutely nothing in Korneev - Antoli
Royo, Zaragoza 2010.) l 3.ie3 b6 14.!!d 1
e6 15.0-0 ctJd5 16.id4 ctJcS 17.g3 ixd4
a b c d e f g h 18.!!xd4 a6 19.ctJa3 bS 20.§fdl !!ab8 21.c4
think this is the most principled move, bxc4 22.ctJxc4 a5= Black was clearly not worse
forcing the black knight to a passive position. in Mamedyarov - Giri, Beijing 2013.
7 ... ct:Ja6 11. .. 0-0 12.0-0 'W e4!

Black has been forced into some sort of This move by Khmelniker seems to equalize
concession, but having the knight on the easily.
350 2.0Jf3
13.~xe4 A draw was agreed at this point in Kobas -

13.gel VMxe2 14.gxe2 e6 15.id b6 Moza, corr. 2014.
6
~-*'~
7. ~'~'
.i ~·
'I)~~~,~,~~
~
w~/,,,,/~~% ,~:::::!:%/',, ,'/;;::::;:,:/,,%
B222) 8.~e3 ctJf6!
~ '"2..J
5 !:%/ ~ !:%/
%% ~t~
,;;;-0;:
fJfff::,
;, ;;~
4 ~... ~. . ~, ~f
3 ~... f~ ~4J~
2 fj~ ~~f~fj~§
1 ~:{ , / ~ /~/ /~ /
a b c d e f g h
l 6.ltJe5N (l 6.id4 gfc8 l 7.ctie5 ctle8! l 8.f4
ctlac7 l 9.ctlxc7 ctlxc7 20.c4 happened in
Gjuran - Khmelniker, Pardubice 2008, and
here 20 ... bS!N~ is simply great for Black.)
16 ... gfc8 l 7.ctid6 gc7 18.ctib5 gcc8= This natural move seems to equalize
A repetition of moves would be a logical effortlessly.
conclusion.
9.~xd4
13 .. .Cthe4 14.~e3 It is logical to opt for an ending.
In case of 14.gel ctlac5 l 5.ctig5!? ctid6!
l 6.ctixd6 exd6 l 7.ctif3 (17.gdl ctia4!?) 9.ixd4 0-0 1O.a4
l 7 ... b5!= there is also no advantage for White. 10.ixa7 id7! 11.id (l l.VMxd5 ctixd5
l 2.ie3 ctlxe3 l 3.fxe3 ctic5t gives Black
tremendous compensation for the pawn)
11...gfcS l 2.ie2 ctic5 13.0-0 ctia4 l 4.VMb3
VMxb3 15.axb3 ctixb2= is hardly dangerous
for Black as his knight is safe on b2.
a b c d e f g h
10 ... ig4 l l.ie2 gad8 12.0-0!
Chapter 19 - 2 ... g6 351
This is better than l 2.h3?! e5! l 3.fe3, which 9 ... 0-0!

was played in lvanchuk- Giri, Beijing (blitz) Lately attention has focused on 9 ... Wxd4,
2013. Most accurate would have been: but I think that the text is a far better move.
13 ... fxf3N 14.fxf3 e4 15.WxdS (15.fe2
We5!) 15 .. .Ct'ixdS 16.fxe4 4Jxe3 l 7.fxe3 10.~e2
gfe8 l 8.fc2 (18.fxb7 ctJc5 l 9.ff3 gxe3tt White plays sensibly.
with the idea 20.~f2?? gd2t! 2 l .~xe3
fh6#) 18 ... gxe3t 19.~f2 ge6 20.gadl The most obvious question is what happens
gde8 21.ghe 1 fe5!+ Black has whatever after 10.4Jxa7, with the answer being:
chances exist.
12 ... ctJcS 13.h3
l 3.ctJxa7 4Je6 l 4.fxf6 fxf6 15.WxdS gxd5
16.gfd 1 ga5 17. ctJ b 5 ctJ f4 gives Black strong
a b c d e f g h
10 ... ig4!N l I.ie2 gfd8 12.Wb6 (12.WxdS?!

4Jxd5 13.ctJbS 4Jxe3 14.fxe3 fh6+) 12 ... ctJd7
13.Wb3 (13.WbS ctJc7! 14.Wa4 Wh5t)
13 ... WhS~ With the idea ... 4Jac5, when Black
a b c d e f g h has excellent counterplay for a mere pawn.
13 ... eS! 14.hxg4 exd4 l 5.Wxd4 Wxd4 16.cxd4
4Je6 l 7.fc4 a6 18.fxe6 axb5 19.fb3 1O.fc4?!
We have been following Delizia - Mauro, This is weak due to:
corr. 201 1, when Black could have secured 10 ... Wc6!
equality with the simple: With this powerful move Black is fighting
l 9 ... bxa4N 20.gxa4 4Jxg4 21.gb4 gd7= for the initiative. The idea is a discovered
attack on the white queen.
11.0-0
I promoted this untried move for illustrative
purposes, since \Xlhite is already worse no
matter what he tries.
One practical example went l l .fe2 ctJg4
12.Wd2 ctJc5 13.fxcS Wxc5 14.0-0 a6
l 5.ctJbd4 e5 16.ctJ b3 Welt and Black was
clearly better in Skoko - Roganovic, Stara
Pazova 2008.
l l...4Jg4 l 2.4Jxa7
1here is only a choice of evils.
a b c d e f g h
352 2.ctJf3
12.°1Wd3 ~xe3 13.fxe3 ~c5t is just worse for Conclusion

White.
This Chapter provided an antidote to
the dangerous Morra Gambit, while also
concentrating on quiet lines occurring after
l .e4 c5 2.~f3 g6 3.c3. The variations are
similar in nature to those arising from a
c3 Sicilian, with the games of the
correspondence player Moza providing an
excellent reference point. Once again White
can reach equality if chat is all he desires, but
any small slip can be punished by ambitious
Black players looking to gradually turn the
cables and secure the full point.
s i: R.2.R ~~•R
7
6
w~iR Wi~i
,'IR~R/ /,•.t."R
5-i~i-;•;
:~riiJd~
2 8~ R~w~8~
1 rp~t "•
• ~r"'"/
i~ /,•
• :/
a b c d e f g h
I0 ... b6 11.0-0 ih7 12J~fdl ~hS 13.~f4
ti:JdS 14.~gS ~xgS 15.ixgS ti:JcS 16.ic4
ti:Jf6=
Play was balanced in Peptan - Krush,
Dresden (ol) 2008, and Black eventually
prevailed.
8 _! 'I) j_ ~ ffl :f I.I) ;.i'
7 ,:, . &:i'tii}~;,
6 ;;;' ii£
5
4
2.!iJf3 3
2
a b c d e f g h
2... e6
Variation Index
1.e4 c5 2.CtJf3
2 •.• e6
A) 3.b4 cxb4 354
Al) 4.a3 354
A2) 4.d4 355
B) 3.b3 a6 4.~b2 ctJc6 356
Bl) 5.g3 358
B2) 5.~e2 359
B3) 5.c4 359
C) 3.d3 ct:Jc6 4.g3 d5 5.~e2 ct:Jge7 360
CI) 6.~g2 361
C2) 6.c3 363
D) 3.g3 364
A2) after 8.a3 C2) after l 2.~d2?! D) after 13.'lhl!b5
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h a b c ct e f g h
8 ... 1d7!N 12...~bG!N 13 .. JkS!N

354 2.Ci:Jf3
1.e4 cS 2. t2J f3 e6 18. ctJ xa8 gxg2~

We will now look at several tries for White 12 ... Jixd6 13.'\Wxd6 f6 00
to avoid an open fight: A) 3.b4, B) 3.h3, With a doubled-edged position. White has
C) 3.d3 and D) 3.g3. the bishop pair, but Black is a pawn up and his
resources should not be underestimated.
A) 3.b4
The Wing Gambit has a better a reputation

after 2 ... e6 than it has on move 2, but in my
opinion even this version does not significantly
improve White's prospects.
3 ... cxb4
White chooses from Al) 4.a3 and A2) 4.d4.
Al) 4.a3 t2J f6!
5.d3 Forcing the white e-pawn to move forwards.

5.d4 g4 6.d5 gxf3 7.dxc6 fxg2 8.cxd7t 1ixd7
9.lixg2 lig7= is given in Chess Informant.
S.eS ltJdS
5.h3 Jig7 6.d3 h6 7.lie3 ctJd4 8.Jixd4 cxd4 Black has a comfortable game, and it
9.ctJb5 '1Wb6 10.'1Wa4 a6 l l.e51if8 12.0-0-0 is not clear to me that White has enough
lic5 13.lie2 ctJe7 saw Black have the better
~-.t~·~ ~-
compensation. For example:
of the opening exchanges in S. Zhigalko -
McShane, Plovdiv 2010. /,'"/(/, '///'U/ ~';0 /,'''''/
5 ... h6 6.lie3 ctJf6 7.h3 b6!? 8.e5

8
8.d4 cxd4 9.Cthd4 Jib7 10.ctJxc6 dxc6!=
8 ... ctJh7 9.d4 cxd4 10.ctJxd4 ctJxe5 11.ctJdbS
7 rliBiBi•i
6 B BiB B
s B B'l)r~ B
4 m.;/%B, "B w;,B
3 ~. B BltJB
2 BtJ~ ~tJ~
1 ~~ltJ~°iV~~- lI
a b c d e f g h
6.axb4
6.d4 d6! 7.exd6 ixd6 8.axb4 ixb4t 9.id2
ixd2t 1o.'1Wxd2 0-0 1 l.c4 tuf6 l 2.tuc3 b6
l 3.lie2 ib7 14.0-0 ctJc6+ is excellent for
Black, who can follow up with ... a5 and post
his knight on b4.
Chapter 20 - 2 ... e6 355
6 ... ixb4 7.c4 15.exd6 ~xd6 16.~d3 gd8 17.~e4 b6

7.c3 ie7 8.d4 0-0 9.id3 ctJc6 10.~c2 h6 18.gfd 1 h6 19.id3 f5 20.~e2 ia6 21.gacl
11.0-0 d6 l 2.exd6 ixd6 l 3.ctJa3 ge8 22.ibl ~f4 23.~b2 gbd8 24.~c3~
White's bishops remain untouched and far
away from the reach of the black forces, and an
eventual d4-d5 will bring dangerous pressure
to bear against g7.
s AR.i.S•R ~-
w~.t.,R.t.~.t.•.t.
7
/,nlni• /,n
a b c d e
a5 17.id2 ib7 18.f4 gc8 19.~b3 id6+

f g
13 ... b6 l 4.t2:Jc4 ie7 15.ctJceS ctJxeS 16.ctJxeS

h :~J.,.j.~.
6 /.
3
~ R
R/. . R,~~-~-m~
~ R
~~iiiii!
Black was better in Hynes - Verde, corr. 2008, 2
although White managed to draw after some
very resourceful play.
a b c d e f g h
7 •.. Cjje7 s.Cjja3!?
I0.id3 ic7 11.'We2 d6 12.exd6 ixd6
8.ctJc3 t2:Jbc6 9.ctJb5 (9.ctJe4 0-0+, intending
13.ib2 0-0 14.0-0 eS! lSJ:Hel ifS!:l
... t2:Jg6 followed by ... d5, is excellent for Black,
Black has the better game in my opinion.
and the same applies to 9.ctJa2 ia5+) 9 ... 0-0
10.~c2 t2:Jf5+ is better for Black. A2) 4.d4
a b c d e f g h
8 .. .Ct)bc6 9.Cjjc2 iaS! This move, played by Zvjaginsev, seems to be
9 ... a5?! otters White serious compensation, the most logical.
with a possible line being: 1O.c2:ixb4 ctJxb4
1l.ia3gb812.ie20-013.0-0c2iec614.d4d5
356 2.~f3
This is the idea: White wants to keep his 9.ixe4 dxe4 10.4Jg5 f5 1 l.exf6 ~xfG 12.d
central pawn front intact for the time being. bxc3 13.4Jxc3 ;Wxd4 l 4.id2 ie7 15.ctkxe4
\Wd5! 16.~hSt g6 17.~h6 0-0-0 18.ie3 e5
S... dS! 6.eS ct:Je4 7.0-0 ct:Jc6 8.a3 19.mal ctJd4 20.ixd4 exd4 21.~g7 ixgS
22Jhd4 '.8hg8! 23.~xdS gxg7 24.4Jxg5 l=!e7+
is better for Black.
9.axb4 ctJxb4 JO.ie2 ~c7 l 1.4Jel h6 12.ie3

ie7! 13.d ctJa65= also looks slightly better for
the second player, although a tough struggle
lies ahead.
9 ... h6! I0 ..ixe4 dxe4 11.E1:xe4
8 ... .id7!N
I like this novelty, preparing to develop the
queenside, and even threatening ... aS at some
point.
Zvjaginsev - Neverov, St Petersburg 2010,

continued 8 .. .f5 9.exf6 \Wxf6, and here White
should have chosen:
B) 3.h3
a b c d e f g h
IO.Bel! id6 (10 .. .CLlxd4? 1 l.'Llxd4 \Wxf2t
12.~hl±) I I.ixe4 dxe4 12.Bxe4 0-0 13.1We2
id7 l 4.axb4 'Llxb4 l 5.'Lle5t White has the
better game.
9J~el
Chapter 20 - 2 ... e6 357
This is supposed to have more poison against The main thing here is that White needs a lot
2 ... e6 than it has on move two, bur Black has of time to get his pawn to d4, and Black can
nothing to worry about. exploit this by organizing himself accordingly.
Play could continue: 7.h3 g6 (7 ... CLJf6 8.gel
3 ... a6 4 ..ib2 lbc6 g6 9.CLJd ig7 10.a4 0-0 l l.ic4 CLJh5
I think this is the best set-up for Black, l 2.CLJd5 gbS 13.id b5 l 4.axb5 axb5= was
stopping ib5 ideas. Now White has the also fine for Black in Repkova - Thesing,
following options: Bl) S.g3, B2) S.'We2 and Triesen 2007.) 8.d ig7 9..ik2 CLJf6! 10.d4
B3) 5.c4. Poetsch - Frischmann, Oberhof 2013, and
here Black could have secured an advantage
5.ie2 CLJf6! 6.e5
with a brilliant retort:
6.CLJd d5 7.exd5 exd5 8.d4 happened in
Harikrishna - Marlakov, Dubai (rapid)
2014, when most accurate would have been
8 ... id6N 9.0-0 0-0 10.CLJa4 cxd4 l l.CLJxd4
id7 12.CLJxc6 ixc6 13.id4 ge8~ with at
least equal chances for Black.
8
7
6
c' )j_~*l!•
i,;': ..
~: ;/
& .}!. ' ~ //
A(.;·</:~~//.·:/
i }):;/i ;:j.;,.
;:/& :~/. 'itf:
A~
:~
. <,;'l'///;;
5 · ..• /&. ?~ ·~
/: .. ::/ A}
;.'// ·.
rq: (•,;:p· ~:;:;;/;; a b c d e f g h
4 •//. ?};1
;m;;~
~
%0
;~~::: '::;t;,
(//:),.;.
10 ... exd4!N l l .cxd4 CLJh5! A chief point is
3 /. ~i ctJ i:?.
!j /:i;i
2 /!J·.~·l r§: I:1s !J 12.id?! cxd4 l 3.CLJxd4 ixh3!!+.
i~~>/JV~ . n 5.d4 cxd4 6.CLJxd4 Vfif6

Leading to an open type of game where
a b c d e f g h
White can hardly hope to fight for the
6 ... CLJd5 7.0-0 CLJf4 8.geJ ie7! 9.ifl f6! 10.d3 advantage, in view of the clumsy placement
10.exf6 ixf6 11.ixf6 1&xf6 12.CLJd 0-0 of his pieces.
13.CLJe4 Vfie7 14.g3 CLJg6~ looks better for 7.d ic5 8.ie2
Black due to his pawn centre and open f-file. 8.Vfid3 lLlge7 9.CLJd2 0-0 10.g3?! d5 l l.ig2
If l 5.d4, then a strong answer is l 5 ... cxd4 id7+ was already better for Black in
16.~xd4 d5 17.CLJxc6 bxc6 18.CLJd2 e5t and Degraeve - P. Schlosser, Haguenau 2013.
Black dominates.
10 ... 0-0 11.CLJ bd2 CLJxe5 12.CLJxe5 fxe5
l 3.ixe5 d6 14.fxt4 gxf4 l 5.g3 gf8=
The chances were approximately balanced in
Rochev - Bischoff, Dun Laoghaire 2010.
5.id3 is a rather romantic set-up which again

invites Black to move his e-pawn twice; after
5 ... d6 6.0-0 e5! I believe Black's chances to be
at least equal, despite a minus score in practice.
a b c d e f g h
358
8 .. .lLlge7! 8.ig2 lgxe2t 9.ctxe2 ifs 10.c;td1 0-0-0

8 ... 'Wg6 9.0-0 'Wxe4 10.4Jd2 ~f4 l l.g3 l l.h3 4J b4 l 2.4Ja3, as played in Liou -
'Wc7 12.4Je4 ie7 13.c4 4Jf6 14.4Jxc6 bxc6 Chandra, Paracin 2014, looks a bit cooperative
was Gelashvili - Homa, Philadelphia 2012, from White's point of view. Why should he
and now l 5.4Jxf6t!N gxf6 16.ihS~ gives leave his king in the centre, jeopardizing the
White more than enough compensation for coordination of his pieces? Black should have
the pawn; the black king will find it hard now played the rather obvious 12 ... f6N+,
to obtain safe shelter on either side of the keeping all the pluses of his position and
board. ensuring himself of the slightly better chances.
9.0-0 0-0 10.4Ja3 dS 11.exdS exdS 12.4Jac2
gd8 13.'Wd2 4Jf5~ 8 .. .lt~gxe7 9.~g2
Black had an excellent position in Gallegos -
Potkin, Internet 2004.
Bl) S.g3
This attempt at a double fianchetto should

probably be answered by:
S ... dS!?
Black sharpens up the game.
6.exdS
6.eS 4Jge7 (6 ... 4Jh6!? 7.ig2 ie7 8.0-0 0-0
9.d3 bS 10.4Jbd2 ib7+ is even more elastic)
7.ig2 bS 8.0-0 (8.a4?! b4+) 9 .. .lbb4! 10.ttJa3 ~fS 11.0-0! f6
8
7~~
i:-.i.~*~ ~
w~ / , ..... /, ~,~, /,
~~
l l...gc8!? l 2.d3 bS 13.gfe 1 f6 14.4Jh4 id7
l 5.d4 gS 16.4Jf3 g4 l 7.4Jh4 cxd4 18.ixd4
~f7 19.c3 4Jbc6~ was also at least equal for
Black in Elez - Damljanovic, Novi Sad 2014,
6.f.·'ll·i···
•1.r1,• •
3./j. -~·
although the famous Serbian GM lost in the
5 end.
4 • • • •
12.d4 ttJec6 13J;fel t?!
2 Q
A~~A~K~
~ Q ;:'Q:;
r~1.-,[R~
;:'Q0 ~ ;:'Q:; 13.dxcS! ixcS 14.gfd 1 0-0-0 l 5.4Jd4
1 ~~,~~if~jf
~ ~ ~f /,
/,,,,,/, /,,,,,/
ixd4 16.ixd4 ixc2 l 7.4Jxc2 4Jxc2 18.gacl
a b c d e f g h 4J2xd4 l 9.gxd4 ~b8 leaves Black with only a
trifling edge.
8 ... ib7 9.d3 4Jf5 10.c4 dxc4 1 l.dxc4 'Wb6
12. 4J bd2 gd8 This was rather preferable for 13 ... @f7 14.ttJh4 ~e6 15.dxcS ~xcs:;:
Black in Fernandez Romero - Nisipeanu, Black had the advantage in Bissieres -
Gibraltar 2011. Guichard, Condom 20 I 0, due to the weakness
of the pawn on a2, and went on to win.
6 ... exdS 7.'t.We2t 't.We7 8.'t.Wxe7t
Chapter 20 - 2 ... e6 359
B2) SJWe2 d6!? (17.fS dxe4 l 8.fxe6 fS~) l 7 ... 8c8 l 8.iZ'lc2
(18.g4 ~b6 19.fS ixeS 20.fxe6 fxe6 21.<j]hJ
Black embraces the idea of closing the centre d3+ is better for Black as the a3-knight is in a
by ... es now that the queen is not particularly state of near paralysis) l 8 ... d3 19.iZ'le 1 ~b6t
well placed on e2. 20.<j]h2 CLJb4 21.iZ'lxd3 iZ'lc2 22.Bacl CLJe3
23.8fel iZ'lxg2 24.<j]xg2 d4co
6.g3
6.d4 looks premature after: 6 ... cxd4 7.<~xd4 17.exfS El:xfS 18.g4
iZ'lxd4 8.ixd4 iZ'lf6 9.iZ'ld2 (9.c4 dS! 1O.exdS So far we have followed Klima - Michalek,
ib4 t 1 l .id ~b6~ gives Black sufficient Czech Republic 2003, and here Black should
compensation for the pawn) 9 ... eS 10.ib2 have played:
ie7 l l .g3 In Antipov - Illescas Cordoba,
Linares 2014, Black should have continued
with l l ... ie6!?N l 2.ig2 8c8 l 3.c4 bSfZ.
s .i R.i.~ffl~'ll~~
~ a r:!:%: ·\w::t·a~\r~/·a,Y,
7
6
1:::%:• wrr
~ . .
i./ . /::;~~;:•~•~/:r.
B~.t&~
• r•~~• 1::
a~\ . ~w
s :w~ / .... .B. //.B
%% ... ~i. ~W; ~
. / /.
4
R . . R. £3, R .•
::, ;0
3
2
~~.8R.
Aii~<i
R~~
??fi;j:;
A f{~t1JX6fN:; a b c d e f g h
0 ~ 0 ~Qf f0~ (Oi
'§
~m~R ~~ ·t 18 ... El:cS!NCX)

The position is complicated, but Black's
a b c d e f g h chances are not worse. The point of keeping
6 ... eS!? 7.i,g2 g6 8.0-0 the rook active on the fifth rank is that it may
8.cth3 ilg7 9.lilc4 bS 10.lild happened even jump to c3 at some point.
in Anurag - Lopez Martinez, Barbera del
Valles 2013, and here Black could have even 19.b4!? El:c3 20.fS gxfS 21.gxfS i,f7 22.f6
considered 1O... cZ'lf6NfZ, keepina0 the e-file i,xf6 23.~f4 ~g7 24.El:adl ctJeS!? 25.El:xd4
clear for his rook, perhaps with a subsequent gac8
idea of ... dS or even .. .lud4. Resulting in a very unclear game.
B3) S.c4
8 ... i,g7 9.c3 ctJge7 10.h3
1O.gd I 0-0 l l.d4 cxd4 l 2.cxd4 £la4 b 1l1is is considered to be best: White makes the
13.dxeS iZ'lxeS 14.cZ'lbd2 8c8 15.!facl E&xcl
advance ... d5 more difficult to carry out and
16.gxc 1 ~a5fZ
prepares d2-d4 according to circumstance.
10 ... 0-0 11.d4!? exd412.cxd4 ctJxd413.ctJxd4 s... ctJf6!

cxd4 14JWd2! ctJc6 15.ctJa3 i,e6 16.f4 fS Tempting the e-pawn forwards is the best
It was worth considering: 16 ... dS!? 17.eS! way here, as Black is prepared for its advance.
360 2.LtJf3
7.,.,.,.,
8~-.i.~·~ ~~
6&R'IJRa• R
~ ///~// ~/~ /'"/
15 ... ~c7!
15 ... f5 16.iJ3 f4!? 17.We2 CzJf5x is the
computer preference, but is not to my liking.
16.d4if417.We2 cxd418.ixd4 b5 19.cxb5
5~~-~-~
~ /,,./ ~ n
axb5 20.CzJc5 f5 2 l .iJ3 e5 22.id5t ~h8
23.ie3 fxe3 24.~xe3 f4!+±
4 R8R8R R A wild position arises where Black has
3R8R
2AW~
RltJR ~~ W~A~~
powerful counterplay, as his knight is coming
to d4.
0 ~ ;;Q;; ;;Q;; 0 ;;Q;;

~~/~~V~]Z~/i
/,,,,,Y • //,,,,/ •
8 ... d6 9.exd6 .ixd6! 10.d4!?
10.CzJe4 0-0+
a b c d e f g h
6.eS ~g4 7.h3 ~h6 10 ... cxd4 11.~xd4 .id7 12.~dbS! axbS
Now Black is ready to undermine White's 13.'Wxd6 bxc4 14 ..ixc4 ~fS 15.'Wf4!
centre, so the first player must choose his next 15.Wd2 CzJe5 16.ie2 ic6 l 7.Wxd8t §:xd8
developing moves carefully. 18.0-0 §:d2 looks dangerous for White,
although I'm not sure Black has more than a
8.~c3 draw.
8.id3
This offers no advantage after the accurate:
8 ~~
n ~·~
/, . ,/ n ~~
/ .Y
8 ... d6 9.exd6 f6!
Preparing to recapture harmoniously on d6 7RiR.i.Rar1,
with the bishop.
10. 0-0 ixd6 l l.ie4 0-0 12 .Cll c3
This is preferable to: l 2.d4?! cxd4 l 3.cthd4
ie5 14.ixc6 bxc6 15.f4 id6 16.ctk3 c5
5-R~R
6~/R'IJRaR
4
W/t ~f~
~
R
~~~
~
1&
R
l 7.ctk2 ®c7+ Black had the freer game
with excellent piece play in Antipov -
3~8~~ . //...... ~
A ~Mf f:ffff/.
~8
0wffff;::. Lw
A ({:ffi/
o ~ ~J tdo~@
%.
M. Petrosyan, Moscow 2012. 2

§~
1 §L} ~ LJ
/~ ~ ~~ ~~
a b c d e f g h
15 ... eS 16.'Wd2 0-0 17.0-0 ~fd4 18.~e2
.ie6=
After the exchange of light-squared bishops
there is nothing for White to boast about, so
the position should just be level.
C) 3.d3
After this move White will almost certainly

fianchetto his king's bishop, reaching a King's
Indian Attack set-up.
Chapter 20 - 2 ... e6 361
3 .. .ltk6 4.g3 dS 29.gc2 ct:Jb4 30.gccl Y2-Y2 Dzhumaev -

Our tabiya for this line. Black has gained Korronias, Mumbai 2003. Throughout the
central space and waits for White's next move latter part of the game I had the feeling rhar I
before configuring his pieces accordingly. was slightly better, and perhaps it was really so,
bur I couldn't prove it in the end.
Let us now return to 5.~e2, a move that

prevents the above set-up.
s.. .CLlge7
A logical and popular reply. I do not like
formations involving the move 5 ... ct:Jf6, as I
believe they offer White too many attacking
chances.
White's most popular move by far is Cl)

6.~g2, bur C2) 6.c3 makes a lot of sense too.
s.We2 Cl) 6.~g2

Recently this move has superseded the older
5.Ctl bd2, after which a good set-up for Black is
the one I employed against Dzhumaev several
years ago: 5 ... 1d6! 6.ig2 4Jge7 7.0-0 0-0
8.~e2 aS! 9.a4 b6 With counterplay always
looming on rhe a6-fl diagonal Black should be
fine. 1O.h4 f6! 11.ge 1 ga7! Another excellent
move, which I really liked during the game.
8 .t.~. ;~ffl{{~
7 /~ tf ri/ I ·/1)
6 tit:'11~ I /1.1 .. ~0.fl
5 /A J&t f&3:. &
/../.A/:,,-,,,x
ti/ ;!:///.
4 0A {1f1f
/#/0 ~·/·
//,/. /.·, 0A /,:/, ·///~;:. //A
LJ
~W~
3 'f::(i:/ ff A
;;_/,///, 0
>.,:/ ~
(,//// (':\ '.' 0 <A
2 Yts fj :ct5Vcti ~ 6... dxe4 7.dxe4 CLJd4 8.'Llxd4 cxd4
I f.M' ~ ;:l:; ~w I believe that Black has folly equalized.
a b c d e f g h
9.eS!?
l 2.c3 ib8 l 3.d4 cxd4 l 4.ct:Jxd4 4Jxd4 l 5.cxd4 9.0-0 eS! is fine for Black, as was shown
ct:Jc6 16.exdS exd5= 17.ct:Jfl ciihs 18.gd 1 ct:J b4 by the following game: 1O.c3 (1 O.f4 '8c6
l 9.ga3 id7 20.~f.3 idG 2 l .if4 ~b8 22.ixdG l l .ct:Jd2 hS! 12.fxeS h4 looks quire dangerous
~xd6 23.ctJe3 ieG 24.lk3 4Ja2 25.Ek2 ct:Jb4 for White) 10 ... 4Jc6 l l.cxd4 4Jxd4 12.~dl
26Jkcl 4Ja2 27Jfa 1 ctJ b4 28.gacl '8a2 icS 13.ct:Jc3 0-0 14.ct:JdS ie6 15.id gcS
362 2.1:tJf.3
16.Ekl Wd6 l 7.f4 f6 18.<iih 1 In Kazhgaleyev l 1.ixc6t?! ctJxc6 12.~e4?! Wa5! 13.if4
- Andersson, France 2002, most accurate was: gd8 14.a3 ie7 15J~'.el g5! 16.id2 Wd5 17.f4
occurred in Morozevich-Shchukin, Novgorod
1997, and now 17 ... ~xe4N 18Jhe4 gd5
19.~g2 h5+ would have simply been strong
for Black.
a b c d e f g h
l 8 ... a5N l 9.a3 <iihs 20.fxe5 fxe5 21.Wh5

c2J b3=
9 ... ~d710.0-0
10.ixb7 gb8 l l.ie4 ib5 12.id3 Wd5
13.0-0 happened in Vescovi - Marovic, Sao a b c d e f g h
Paulo 2004, and here Psakhis' recommendation
11..JkS! 12.ct:Jf3
of 13 ... ic6 14.f3 c2:Jg6 15.ie4 Wc5 16.ixc6t TI1is seems to be the most testing, though
Wxc6~ looks quite adequate for Black. Black has good counterplay in all lines:
A possible follow-up is:
Black has a good game after l 2.ixc6t ctJxc6
13.ctJf3 ie7 14.gdl Wb6 15.~e4 0-0=, as the
pressure against e5 and b2 makes it difficult for
White to attack.
12.ctJe4 leads to an equal ending after some

complications: l 2 ... ctJg6 13.gd 1 ( 13.f4
Wb6~) l 3 ... ~b6 l 4.b3! ctJxe5 l 5.ib2 gd8
l 6.ctJg5! !xg2 l 7.VI!xe5
8
7 i~;,
6 ~
5
4
3 8
2 8 ~ 8 "~/
10 ... ~c6 11.CLJd2!N •M .M
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 20 - 2 ... e6 363
17 ... \Wc6! Intending ... h6 among others, so White's extra pawn is doubled and
White must act. l 8.ixd4 ih 1! (l 8 ... h6?? meaningless, and so the result should be a draw.
now loses to l 9.''.tJXe6!+-) 19.f3 ixf3 20.ctJxf3
\Wxf3 2 l .\Wb5t \Wc6 22.\Wxc6t bxc6 23.ixa7 C2) 6.c3
ia3! 24.c3 (24.ib6 gxd 1t 25.gxd 1 ~e7 00
is an unclear ending, as Black can quickly
mobilize his f- and e-pawns.) 24 ... ~e7 25.b4
ib2 26.ic5t cj;)f6 27.gxdS gxd8 28.ml t
~g6 29.a4 ixc3=
12 .. .cbfS! 13.:1'.~dl .icS

Black is bound to lose his d-pawn, but he
gets good compensation for it:
14.c3
14.a3 ib6! 15.c4 (15.c3 id5! l 6.4Jxd4
ixd4 l 7.cxd4 0-0~) l 5... ia4! 16.gd3 gxc4
l 7.b3 gxcl t 18.gxcl ib5 19.ctJd2 ixd3
20.\Wxd3 0-0= is just equal. Morozevich, Bologan and Fedorov like to
include this move in White's set-up, and with
14... o-o! 1s.,~hd4 good reason.
15.g4 ixf3! 16.ixf3 4Jh4 17.ixb7 \Wb6!
18.ie4 dxc3 l 9.bxc3 f5 20.exf6 gxf6 2I.ie3 6 ... d4!
ixe3 22.\Wxe3 ctJf3t 23.ixf3 \Wxe3 24.fxe3 I like this reaction by Pavel Tregubov,
gxf3 25.gd3 gbS~ offers White nothing. showing an excellent understanding of the
King's Indian structure that has arisen. The
Nor does 15.cxd4 ib6~ offer White anything, white queen is not so well placed on e2 if
as control of d5 outweighs the pawn minus. Black can play ... e5, so this is what he should
be aiming for, even at the expense of a tempo.
7.cxd4
The safest response.
7.e5!? is of course critical, but after 7 ... dxc3

8.bxc3 (8.4Jxc3?! ctJf5 9.ig2 ie7 10.0-0 0-0
l l .if4 b6+ was better for Black in Fedorov -
Tregubov, Jurmala 2015) 8 ... b6 9.4Jbd2 ia6
10.4Jc4 ctJd5~ Black has few reasons to worry,
as ... b5 will give him counterplay. For example:
l I.ib2 b5 l 2.4Je3 4Jxe3 l 3.fxe3 ie7 l 4.ig2
0-0 15.0-0 \Wb6 16.gf2 gads 17.gafl h6
a b c d e f g h
If anyone is better, it is Black.
1S ....ixd4! 16 ..ixc6! ~xc6 17 ..ie3 'llxe3
18.~xd4 'lldS 19.c4 'llc3! 20.bxc3 ~aS;; 7 ... cxd4 8 ..ig2 'llg6 9.0-0 eS
364
Black has achieved his aim of playing ... eS, 12 .. JWb6!N

and has even prevented the attacking gesture Preparing ... aS.
ctJh4 followed by f2-f4.
The inferior l 2 ... a6 I3j;c 1 f1e8 14.ie 1 id7
15. ctJ bd2= gave White the necessary time
to complete development and equalize the
chances in Bologan - Tregubov, Kon ya 2012.
13.E1:a2
131kl? aS+
13 ....ie6 14.E1:b2 ~hS! 15.~gS .id7 16.h4

~fest
Black's queenside initiative gives him the
lion's share of the chances.
a b c d e f g h D) 3.g3
10.a3
10.ctJel hS!? l 1.h4 ie7~ looks okay for
Black. That said, the position is by no means
clear.
10 ... .ie7 l l.b4 0-0 12 ..id2?!

This queenside play is overambitious. White
cannot have everything, especially from such a
slow opening.
12.ctJbd2 bS! 13.ctJb3 aS 14.ctJxaS ctJxaS

I5.bxa5 ~xaS I6.id2 ~a4 17.EUbl was
probably more to the point, although even
then Black has an easy game.
This is one of the most popular Anti-Sicilians
against 2 ... e6. White will most usually opt for
a King's Indian Attack set-up, but does not
abolish the possibility of d2-d4 under certain
conditions.
3 ... dS!?
In my view this is the most sensible move
here, leading to an open struggle. Black will
soon have an isolated queen's pawn, but he
obtains excellent activity in return.
4.exdS exdS S.d4 ~c6 6 ..ig2 .ig4

Chapter 20 - 2 ... e6 365
One of several strong choices, putting the (1 l.cxd4 4Jxd4 12.\Wd3 ct:Jdc6 13.4Jc3 d4
enemy d-pawn under immediate pressure. 14.ct:Je4 0-0 15.ct:Jg5 g6 16.ct:Je4 ct:Jf5 00 is in
no way worse for Black as the extra pawn
on d4 obstructs several attacking ideas.)
11 .. .:i~cS!N I like this developing move quite
a lot. (In Tkachiev - Nunn, Hastings 1997,
the inferior 11 .. .dxc3 was played, which
nevertheless kept Black within the drawing
zone.) 12.if4 ixf4 13.\Wxf4 \Wb6 14.\Wd2
d3+± Reaching a position where I would
prefer to be Black.
a b c d e f g h
7.0-0
Considered best.
7.dxc5 \Welt! 8.s:t'fl \Wxc5 9.c3 ct:Jf6 1O.ie3

\Wd6 l 1.4Ja3 was the continuation m
Hasangatin - Vorobiov, Krasnodar 2002, and
at this point I like:
9 ... 4Jge7
9 ... ixf3!? 1O.ixf3 4Jge7=
8
10.ct:Jxd4 \Wd7 l I.ig5 0-0 12.ixe7 4Jxe7
7
l 3.ctJa3 :§ad8 l 4.ct:Jac2 ic5 l 5J~fel 4Jc6
6 16.1,~b) ib6=
5 A draw was the eventual outcome in
4 Rozentalis - Christiansen, Groningen 1992.
3~ b 7 ... cxd4
2 bl5 White will now need some time to regain
/g ::\/°ft the pawn, which Black hopes he can exploit in
a b c d e f g h order to catch up in development and equalize
l l ... ~d7!N+± Seizing more light squares and the chances.
preparing to deploy the bishop actively on d6.
I believe that Black is at least equal in this case. 8.h3
The most direct method.
7.c3 cxd4 8.0-0 id6
This has been played on a few occasions, with 8.ct:J bd2
the verdict being one of complete equality. This does not pose Black any serious
9.\Wb3 problems either.
9.hY? ixf.3 10.~xf.3 4Jge7 11.:Sdl 8 ... ie7!? 9.ctJb3
366 2.t;Jf3
In case of 9 .h3 Black may of course 8 ... ~xf3 9JWxf3 ctJf6 10.~gS!
play 9 ... ih5 00 , but another important Without this move White would be worse.
continuation is: 9 ... if5!? 10.CLlb3 ~e4!
1 l.lLlfxd4 c2if6 l 2.ig5 (l 2.ixe4 CL\xe4
13.lLlf5 0-0!=) 12 ... 0-0 13.c3 (13.ixf6
ixf6 14.CLlxc6 bxc6 15.ixe4 dxe4 16.iWxdS
gfxd8 l 7.c3 a5=) 13 .. ,geS! 14.gel ixg2!
l 5.@xg2 c2ie4 16.ixe7 §'.xe7= The black
knight is headed towards d6 and I can't see
any edge for White.
Em••
7., ~ffl·'l)~a
,.,
s
6 .'I)•••
sm ., ••
'&)f:: %~ ~~:'/ A 0~;:
4 ~ ~~ ~.JL~
8•8• r~~•
10 ... ~e7 l l.~xf6 ~xf6 12.WxdS
3 ~/:";-\~~ ~;r,-.._~fip
~.~~. ~~efd 12J~'.el t
This intermediate check is best answered
2
?,~d ~~uw~ Fr~ with the untested:
1 f~ ~§~§?g
a b c d e f g h
9... if6!? 10.iWd3 ixf3 l 1.iWxf3 CL\ge7

Black has delayed the recovery of the pawn,
which should be enough to guarantee
eventual equality.
12.gel 0-0 13.if4 \Wb6 14.id6 gfe8 15.ic5
\Wc7 16.iWdl
16.gad 1 b6= is no improvement.
16 ... gadS l 7.iWd2 h5=
a b c d e f g h
12 ... @fS!N
l 2 ... lLle7 l 3.iWxd5 iWxd5 l 4.~xd5 d3
l 5.lLlc3 dxc2 l 6Jhcl 0-0 1nhc2 CLlxd5
18.CLlxd5 id8 19.a4± left Black tied up in
Morozevich - Vitiugov, Eilat 2012.
13.iWb3!?
Taking the pawn now by 13.iWxd5 iWxd5
l 4.ixd5 runs into 14 ... CL\ b4! l 5.ib3 gc8=
and Black equalizes.
l 3.lLld2 g6 14.\Wxd5 \Wxd5 15.ixd5
gc8 16.c2ie4 ie7 1nhdl @g7= is not
problematic for Black either.
Chapter 20 - 2. .. e6 367
13 ... t2le7!
Only now is this played, guarding the s BAB ~~*B
•i~ Bi~i
important d5-pawn for the time being, so
as to complete development by ... g6 and
... ©g7. I see no advantage for White in that
case, with one possible continuation being:
14.c3 g6! l 5.cxd4 ©g7 16.t2lc3 ®d7! l 7.ixd5
5~.·-(2jB~
7
6&'JB ;,n~~TB
4,,•m•~•~•
t2lf5! 18.aadl l2lxd4=
~~Bif~f~~,
12... 0-0
3
2 /, " ~ !m ~~.fB
g/ ,~ t Dz \"'"'""' ~
White has regained the pawn but Black has
castled, so the status quo remains intact.
1
na b
t~
c d
m:~~
e f g h
13.°!!%5 17... gfeg
13.t2ld2 ac8 would be similar. l 7 ... ig7=
s AB ~~*B ~ I8.b4 CLJc6 I9.CLJb3 .ig7=
W~iB Ba•i White's weaknesses along the c-file outweigh

7
6 /, "d•~~"f
~- w~ ,,,,,,~ /,n ~
his light-square preponderance.
sBVB BB Conclusion
4 B •BB If I was called upon to name the systems that
3 B_ '.0::W.
~::: ~-- -~-
~- _W~_ _ A
;:Q;: LJ
worried me most in this chapter, I would reply
that they are probably the ones associated
2
8~8- f~~- with 3.g3 and 3.b3. There are several strong
~~cZ)D
::?::!fi
/ ,,,,y D:~
&'.0 L_,;:
grandmasters at the absolute top (such as
Carlsen, Morozevich and Adams) who use
a b c d e f g h
these systems from time to time as surprise
13 ... gcS!N weapons with White, and I believe this means
The unnatural 13 ... abS?! l 4.lt:ld2 a6 something. However, I also believe that I have
15.®b3 t2la5 16.®d3 b5 l 7.b4!t left Black a offered a comprehensive coverage of the best
little worse in Chernobay - Bukavshin, Russia lines for Black in these openings, and I am
2014. confident they will offer you good positions
with sufficient chances to play for a win.
I4.CLJd2
l 4.®xb7?! t2la5+
14.. .tt:)aS I5JWd3 g6

TI1e position is approximately balanced.
I6.a3 'Wffc7 17.Bacl

17.b4 Wxc2! 1s.ihc2 axc2 19.lt:le4 ltJb3!~
a b c ct e f g h
2... d6
Variation Index
1.e4 cS 2.ctJf3
2 ... d6
A) 3.1ic4 ctJf6 4.d3 ctJc6 S.c3 e6 369
Al) 6.0-0 370
A2) 6 ..iih31ie7 7.0-0 0-0 372
A21) 8JWe2 372
A22) 8.~el 373
B) 3.c3 ctJf6 376
Bl) 4.1ie2 376
B2) 4.h3 ctJc6 377
B21) 5.d4 377
B22) S.1id3 378
B3) 4.1ic4 ctJxe4 5.°~'a4t ctJc6 6.1ixf7t <±>xf7 7.°~xe4 g6!? 382
B31) 8.d4 383
B32) 8.0-0 385
B4) 4 ..iid3 ctJc6 S.1ic21ig4 6.d3 e6 386
B41) 7.0-0 387
B42) 7.ctJbd21ie7 8.h31ih5 389
B421) 9.ctJfl dS! 390
B4211) IOJWe2 390
B4212) I0.ctJg3!? 391
B422) 9.°1We2!? 393
Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 369
1.e4 cS 2.~f3 d6 White was clearly struggling in Meehan -

Of course the majority of Sicilian players are Pessoa, corr. 2011.
fond of 2 ... d6, and this comes as no surprise,
as it offers the most fighting chances. Its 3.g3 is another version of the King's Indian
additional merit is that deviations from 3.d4 Attack, but Black has more flexibility when
(apart from 3.ibSt 4Jc6 which transposes to ... e6 has not been played. Several moves
the Rossolimo) seem to lack bite. are possible, depending on your personal
repertoire and what might happen if White
We will examine A) 3.~c4 and B) 3.c3. switches plans with d2-d4. One reliable option
is: 3 ... 4Jc6 4.ig2 g6 (If the Dragon trans-
I guess the reader is probably fed up with the position bothers you, you can consider 4 ... e5!?
various Wing Gambits or similar ideas this 5.c3 [5.0-0 g6 followed by ... ig7 reaches
book has covered, and to be honest so am I. Black's desired set-up] 5 ... g6 6.d4 when Black
However, for the sake of completeness I feel can choose between 6 ... cxd4 7.cxd4 ig4 and
obliged to offer a little guidance as to how to 6 ... exd4!? 7.cxd4 ig4, both of which lead to
meet it here: interesting and virtually unexplored territory.)
3.b4?! cxb4 4.d4 5.0-0 (5.d4 cxd4 6.4Jxd4 followed by ct'lc3
After 4.a3 CtJf6! 5.ibSt (5.axb4 4Jxe4 6.ie2 is a Fianchetto Dragon. This is theoretically
e5!?+) 5 ... id7 6.ixd7t 4Jbxd7 7.We2 a5! fine for us, but beyond the scope of this work;
8.0-0 e6 9.d4 :lie7 10.c4 0-0 l l.e5 dxe5 Gawain Jones provides excellent coverage for
12.dxe5 4Je8 13Ji'.dl 0.c7 14.:Sfd4 4Ja6! Black in his second Dragon volume.) 5 ... ig7
l 5.axb4 axb4 16.Wd2 4Jac5 17.Ei'.xaS Wxa8 6.d3 (6.c3 can be met by 6 ... e5) 6 ... e5 7.c3
18.Wxb4 Wal 19.Wb2 Ei'.a8+ White had 4Jge7 8.a3 0-0 We have transposed to the
recovered his pawn, only to discover that he 2 ... t2ic6 3.g3 KIA, as covered on page 396.
was strategically worse in the ending in Lynn
- Noble, corr. 2013.
4 ... CtJf6 5.id3
8 i,.~j_~*/.i.. ,,E
7 /&/ ' &' ' ·& ,·
6 ,. .lj)
5
4 ., b b
3 ~ , ,; ~;;
2/j 8 ts b;
:It~.~°fl~ It
a b c d e f g h
5 ... g6! 6.ctJbd2 a5 7.0-0 lg7 8.gel 0-0 9J~,b2 a b c d e f g h

d5! 10.e5 CtJh5 11.c~fl
Preparing to castle. As in several other Anti-
l l.g3 ig4 12.ie2 t2ic6 is also much worse
Sicilians, White plans c2-c3 and d2-d4, but
for White.
Black's next forces him to curb his ambitions
l 1...tzJf4=
for the time being.
370 2.ctJf3
3 .. .CDf6 4.d3 ttJc6 S.c3 Alexei Shirov has been rather pessimistic
5.ib3 gives us an extra option in 5 ... 'Lla5, about Black's chances after the alternative
but I am not such a big fan of the position 1O.exd5!? exd5 l l .d4!, considering White to
arising after 6.ia4t id7. Therefore I suggest have a slight edge, but in my view the position
that we continue with the 'routine' 5 ... e6 6.0-0 remains in perfect balance. For example:
ie7, which should transpose to our main lines. l l...cxd4 12.'Llxd4! (12.cxd4 ig4 13.h3 ihS+
is slightly worse for White as the d4-pawn is
s... e6 rather weak) l 2 ... 'Llxd4 l 3.cxd4
White's main options are Al) 6.0-0 and
A2) 6.~b3.
Al) 6.0-0 ~e7
This will most probably transpose to variation

A2, unless White chooses the following
formation:
7.ttJbd2 0-0 8.~el

One clear-cut solution is:
a b c d e f g h
13 ... ie6! (also interesting is 13 ... ib4!? 14.ge2

a6 15.'Llf3 ig4 16.~d3 gc8) 14.~e2 a6
l 5.'Llf3 'Lle4 l 6.if4 gc8= Black is in no way
worse.
I0 ... ttJd7 l 1.d4!

White has reached his desired formation,
but this is only the beginning of the story.
The alternative 11.'Llfl ?! d4!+ leads to a

position where the b3-bishop is likely to
become a spectator.
a b c d e f g h
8 ... dS!? 9.~b3 hS!
Gaining space on the queenside and
preparing to open lines for counterplay. White
has then the following choice:
10.eS
This looks like the most natural response to
me, and has been played by both Leko and
Vallejo. It is White's turn to gain space on the
kingside, hoping to create attacking chances
there.
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 371
11 ... ~a6!
l l...b4 is less exact because of 12.ia4!.
12.({)fl b4!
Black is in time to create counterplay by
opening up the a6-fl diagonal.
13.~c2
Inexact is l 3.ctJe3?! bxc3 l 4.bxc3 cxd4
l 5.cxd4 ctJ b4!+ when the threatened invasion
on d3 gives White serious headaches. a b c d e f g h
18 ... ~aS! 19.~dl h6 20.LtJg4 LtJb4 21.ibl
l 3.ia4!? was Vallejo's preference, designed
~a3! 22.~d2 ctJd3 The advantage is clearly on
to slow down Black's queenside counterplay.
Black's side. 23.ctJxh6t does not work in view
13 .. Jk8 14.ixc6 2'.xc6 15.cxb4
of 23 ... gxh6 24.~xh6 ~cl!! 25.~hS ~f4+
and the black queen comes to fS, putting an
end to White's attack.
With the above variation in mind, White may

essay the alternative attacking deployment
with a knight on g3, but the knight is rather
less effective there as it lacks access to g4. For
instance: l 5.ctJg3 cxd4 l 6.cxd4
a b c d e f g h
15 ... ixfl !? ( l 5 ... cxb4N l 6.ctJg3 is considered
00
unclear by Shirov) 16.gxfl cxb4 l 7.ie3 ~aS

l 8.g3 gfc8 19.ctJe 1 ~bS (19 ... ctJ b6!?N 20.b3
ctJa8 00 , with the idea of ... ctJc7-b5-c3, was
another Shirov recommendation) 20.h4 a5
2 l .b3 This was Vallejo Pons - Shirov, Linares
2002, and here Alexei considers that 2 l ... f6!N
22.exf6 ctJxf6 23.ctJd3 id6= would have given a b c d e f g h
him an equal position. In my opinion Black
16 .. J:~e8! (16 ... ctJb4?! 17.ibl ~c7?! is not
is a tad better, but obviously White has his
good due to 18.igS!--+) 17.ctJhS ctJf8+ With
chances too.
his kingside relatively safe, Black may now
focus on his queenside endeavours.
13 ... bxc3 14.bxc3 ~c8 15.a3!
Leko's choice; I think this is critical, to keep
15 ... ~eS
the black pieces out of b4.
15 ... ixfl 16.gxfl ge8 17.~d3 ctJf8
For example, after l 5.ctJe3 Black has: l 5 ... cxd4 18.ie3 ~a5= does not look bad either, and is
l 6.cxd4 ib4! l 7.id2 ixd2 l 8.~xd2 perhaps better from a practical point of view,
372
as an important attacking piece of White's is 20 ... cxd4! 2 l .cxd4 h6!~ It is not clear
eliminated. how \X,rhite continues the attack, as 'Llg4 is
impossible for the time being, and Black is
ready to play ... 'Llc4 and recapture with the
d-pawn in reply to 'Llxc4. (Originally my idea
was the immediate 2 l ... 'Llc4 22.'Llxc4 dxc4!?
but then 23.'Llg5! seems to give White some
pressure.)
17 ... ct:Jg6 18.g3 ~aS! 19.id2 ihS! 20.ic2

~a6~
Already the positional threat ... ild3 is on the
cards, causing discomfort to the first player.
Al) 6.ib3
a b c d e f g h
16 ... ct:JfS!N
I think that Black is completely safe after
this.
Instead, 16 ... cxd4 l 7.cxd4 ib5?! 18.g3! ~a5

19.h4 c2Jf8 20.:§bl :§b8 21.~g2 :§ec8 22.h5!
ia6 23.C2ig4 :§xbl 24.ixbl :§b8 25.ic2 ~c3
illustrated perfectly what White is aiming for
in Leko - Gelfand, Tilburg 1996, and here
26.h6!N ~ would have given the Hungarian
GM a dangerous attack.
White will have to play this move sooner or
later, to make sure he preserves this bishop and
17.ia4
avoids being hit by ... d5.
Leko's idea of 17 .g3 is best answered by:
l 7 ... ~a5 18.id2 (l 8.h4? cxd4 l 9.cxd4
6 ...ie7 7.0-0 0-0
ib4!+) 18 ... ~c7 l 9.h4 'Lla5 20.h5 An important tabiya. White would like to
set up the formation with pawns on e4 and
d4, and has a choice of two main methods to
prepare this: A21) 8.~e2 or A22) 8.~el.
A21) 8.~e2
This move looks a bit artificial to me, but is

nevertheless acceptable.
8 ... bS!? 9.d4 cxd4 I0.cxd4 aS! 11.eS!

Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 373
l 1.Wxb5? would be a blunder in view

of 11...4:'ib4+ or l 1...~a6!? 12.Wxc6 ixfl s :i R.t~ 0•*R
13.Wc2 ia6+. 7B R'l'l~i-i
:wi:3 .··~..
.~:;~IA\~; & ~ ;
/uu,~ /,,,,,%
~
11...dxeS 12.dxeS ctJd7 13.~c2! 6 ~1%~~-~ ~
This is considered best by Tiviakov and s t~aR f!J R
:::.,,:: /~ L.::: ~
Bauer. The threat is We4.
4 RR RR ~;/~~
3 ~· ~f
Alternatively, 13.4:'id b4 14.4:'i b5 ia6 15.gd 1 f~ w~ •~•
Wb8! 16.gxd7 Wxb5! l 7.Wxb5 ixb5+ leads to 2 j[~~-if~j~
an ending where Black's space on the queenside
guarantees him a slight pull. ~~{{J~ R:m
a b c d e f g h
13.gdl b4! 14.ic2 ~c7 15.iJ4 la6 16.~e4 13 ... ~c7!?N
(16.~e3!? mds l 7.4:'ibd2 :~hc8 18.ifacl Wb6=) Given by Tiviakov in his ChessBase
16 ... g6 l 7.4:'ibd2 gfd8 18.gacl 4:'ic5 19.~e3 annotations on his game versus McShane.
4:'id3 20.ixd3 lhd3 2 l .We4 gd5! 22.4:'ic4 This, by the way, bears Bauer's seal of approval
ixc4 23.Wxc4 gad8 24.gxd5 :ihd5 25.ie3 in Experts on the Anti-Sicilian.
~d7= was equal in McShane - Tiviakov,
Gibraltar 2003. 14.ctJc3 ~a6! 15.ctJxbS ~xhS 16.~xhS
ctJdxeS 17.ctJxeS ctJxeS 18.~e2 Ei:ac8~
Finally, 13.if4!? lilc5 14.gdl ~c7 15.4:'id is The final position is excellent for Black,
most accurately met by the immediate: while Bauer's I8 ... gfd8 00 is also good; keeping
the a8-rook supporting the precious a5-pawn,
perhaps with the aim of advancing it in order
to cramp White's queenside.
A22) 8.Ei:el
a b c d e f g h
l 5 ... ia6!N (l 5 ... lilxb3?! l 6.axb3 la6 l 7.'Lle4

gfd8 l 8.ctJd6± allowed the white knight to
settle on d6 in Sedlak- Kuruzovic, Zadar 2003,
after which White went on to win smoothly.)
I see nothing better for White than: l 6.'Lle4
'Llxe4 l 7.~xe4 ctJ b4! 18.'Llg5 ixg5 19.ixgS
~b7 20.~e2 a4 21.gacl ic6 22.ic2 ctJxc2 a b c d e f g h
23Jhc2 i~b7=
This natural rook move is favoured by most
players.
374 2.CLJf3
8 ... bS Harmless for Black is 10.i:Ll bd2 cxd4! l l.cxd4

I decided that this move is objectively lLl b4! and White's light-square weaknesses
better than immediately advancing in the come to the fore. I2.~e2 Vlf c7
centre. Black starts his usual queenside
expansion while keeping a flexible central
stance, and might throw in ... d5 later on if the
circumstances justify it.
Practice has shown that 8 ... d5 9.e5 i:Lld7 10.d4

b5 yields a position that is more pleasant for
White after the accurate l l.a3!:t (instead,
l l.i:Llbd2 ia6! is, as we already know, fine
for Black, as ... b4 will give him counrerplay).
Unfortunately, l l ... b4?! is hardly good, as
a b c d e f g h
White replies 12.axb4 cxb4 13.iWd3 :§:e8
l 4.ic2 i:Llf8 l 5.i:Llbd2 a5 l 6.c4~ with an 13.dS!N (13.:§:b I? a5t was abandoned
excellent attacking position. as a draw at this point in Bauer - Inkiov,
Montpellier 2014, but Black already enjoys
9.d4 some initiative and could have played on;
The standard reply. 13.IWxbS? a5t is dangerous for White, as his
queen is exposed and the d3-square vulnerable
9.i:Ll bd2 d5! 1O.e5 i:Lld7 l l.d4 ia6!t± gets us to invasion.) 13 ... exdS 14.exdS \Wb6 l 5.i:Lle4
back to what we want. ixd5 16.ixdS lLl bxd5 White has some
compensation for the pawn and should be able
9.a3 is a cunning waiting move that has been to draw, but obviously the onus is on him.
tried by Malakhov amongst others, but I think
the untested 9 ... llle5!? gives Black satisfactory Finally, 10.dxcS dxc5 I l.1We2 c4 I2.ic2 i:Lld7
play by exploiting White's failure to advance l 3.a4 is probably best met by:
his d-pawn directly. The main point lies in
I O.i:Llxe5 dxe5 l l .a4 c4! 00 when an unclear
position is reached, offering rich play to both
sides.
9...~b7
I think this is a logical move here, putting e4
under pressure.
I0.~e2!?
The choice of GM Ulibin is probably a b c d e f g h
the only White continuation to pose a few
l 3 ... b4!?N (l 3 ... a6 happened in Zagema -
problems.
Dvoirys, Leeuwarden 1994, but here I don't like
14.:§:dl!N \Wc7 I5.i:Lla3! for Black.) 14.\Wxc4
10.igS? looks like a blunder rn view of
ct'ia5 15.\Wfl \Wc7~ Black's compensation for
1O... lllxe4!N.
the pawn looks quite sufficient.
Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 375
I0 ... cxd4 11.cxd4 b4!? 1VtJ bd2 E!:c8

Black has gained space and made the
b3-bishop feel a bit uncomfortable.
13.~fl!
13.ic2 ~b6 14.Ccib3 a5i
a b c d e f g h
16 ... b3 17.axb3
In case of 17.ibl bxa2 18.Ei'.xa2 'Lib3
19.if4 ~b6 20.'Llxe4 dxe4 2 l.ixe4 a5~ the
misplaced rook on a2 means that Black has
good compensation for his pawn.
a b c d e f g h
l 7.ixb3 'Llxb3 l 8.axb3 ~b6 l 9.ie3 ~xb3 is
13 ... dS!?N about equal.
I believe this is superior to: 13 ... 'LlaS 14.ic2
b3!? l 5.axb3 '&c7 17 .. .'\Wc7
Initiating a forced sequence and bailing out
8 .i .i* to a drawn ending.
7 '& j_»lf: j_/i''
6 iill)
5 •II)
4 bb
3 8 ctJ
2 8~ °fi888
: ~ :ltJ@
a b C d e f g h
0
16.dS!N ( 16.igS ~xc2 l ".~xa5= was le\·el

in Ulibin - Oparin, Trieste 2013.) 16 ... '~'xc2
17.~xc2 ~xc2 18.~xa5 ld8 l 9.:::=:a4! (19.~xa7
ib6 20.~d ixa7 21 }2xc2 sc8 22.id a b c d e f g h
Ei:xc2 23.ixa" ~xb2=) 19 ... exdS 20.&;:k3 ~c7
18.i,dl i,b4 19.E!:fl '\Wb6 20.i,c2 '\Wc6
21.exdSt \\/hire enjoys a little pressure.
21.~el i,xel 22.E!:xel '\Wxc2 23.E!:xaS ~xg3
24.'\Wxc2 gxc2 25.hxg3 E!:fc8 26.i,e3 gxb2
14.eS ~e4 15.~g3 ~aS!? 16.i,c2
27.E!:xa7 E!:xh3=
16.id '2.c4:x:
376 2.ctJf.3
B) 3.c3 a posmon where \X 7hite obtains dangerous

compensation in return for the pawn.
A natural move, dictated by the desire to build
a broad pawn centre. sJWc2
White insists on his d2-d4 idea.
3 .. .CDf6
While this move does not immediately 5.d3 g6
threaten the e4-pawn (as its capture would This leads to a balanced game, as White's
be met by ~a4t), it helps prevent d2-d4, as central play has been slowed down.
then the e4-pawn really would be en prise. 6.0-0
White has four main possibilities: Bl) 4.il,e2, 6.e5 dxeS 7.t2lxe5 t2lc6 8.t2lxd7 ~xd7
B2) 4.h3, B3) 4.il,c4 and B4) 4.il,d3. 9.t2ld2 ~g7 10.~e4 b6 11.t2lxf6t happened
in Novikov - So, Moscow 2011, and here
4.e5 dxe5 5.t2lxe5 e6 6.ib5t t2lbd7 7.d4 a6 I recommend 1 l...exf6!?N 12.0-0 0-0
8.ixd7t t2ixd7 9.0-0 ie7 is given as equal by 13.ie3 Ei'.ae8!?+± intending .. JS followed by
Georgiev and Kolev in 7he Sharpest Sicilian, ... Ei'.e6, with an unclear game.
and it is difficult to argue with their assessment. 6.h3 ig7 7.ie3 0-0 8.t2lbd2 e5! 9.0-0 t2lc6
I0.a3 t2lh5 1 l.b4 ~e7+± is also unclear.
Bl) 4.il,e2 6 ... ig7 7.t2lbd2 t2lc6!? 8.d4 cxd4 9.cxd4 iks!
1O.dS?!
1O.a3N 0-0= was preferable.
Intending 0-0 followed by ge 1, ifl and I0 ... t2i b4 l l.a3 t2la6! 12.ixa6 bxa6 13.gel
d2-d4. However, Black can disrupt this idea by 0-0 14.t2lbl ~b6 15.t2lc3 ig4 16.h3 ixf3
threatening to take on e4. 17.~xf.3 t2ld7+
Black was slightly for choice in Cvek -
4 ... il,d7!? Polzin, Austria 2008, although the game
This looks like a healthy way of attacking the eventually ended in a draw.
e4-pawn.
s.. JWc7!
Slower means include 4 ... g6 and 4 ... t2Jbd7, Black insists m preventing the formation
while quite risky is 4 ... t2lc6 5.d4! cxd4 6.cxd4 of an enemy pawn duo in the centre. After
t2lxe4 7.d5 ~a5t 8.t2lc3 t2lxc3 9.bxc3 with this accurate move I consider the game to be
approximately balanced.
Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 377
6.0-0 g6 7 .d4 IWxeSt 12.~e2 g613.0-0 ~g7 14.~bSt @fS

7.d3 ig7 8.4Ja3 0-0 9.ig5 h6 1o.ixf6 15.El:cl IWxdS 16.~c4 IWfS
exf6!? l l.~d2 f5 12.Effe 1 4Jc6 13.2::hd 1 Ei'.adS
l 4.4Jc2 4Je7+ was a bit better for Black in
Soltau - Lehikoinen, corr. 2004.
7 ... cxd4 8.Cthd4 ctJc6 9.~e3 lbxd4!?

10.~xd4 eS! 11.~e3 dS 12.ctJd2 ~g7=
Black had comfortably equalized in Giri -
Wang Hao, Beijing 2012.
B2) 4.h3
A popular move, intending ~d3-c2 followed

by d2-d4.
4 .. .ct~k6
The time invested in 4.h3 allows Black to 17.~el!N
bring his knight out, as now the gambit with This is given as relatively best by Bauer in
5.d4 is quite harmless. Experts on the Anti-Sicilian.
Of course we need to know how to react to Returning to our correspondence game, the
B21) 5.d4, but more common is B22) 5.~d3. slip l 7.~b3?! made things difficult for White.
After l 7 ... h6 l 8.g4 ~f6 19.idS ~g8 20.Ei'.c7
B21) 5.d4 e6 2 l.ixb7 ixb7 22.~xb7 ms 23.Ei'.b 1 a5!
24.~g2 (24.ixaS h5!-+) 24 ... dS 25.~a7 g5
26.~xaS h5 27.~a4 ~g6 28.Ei'.b3 d4 29.Ei'.cS
~e4t 30.~gl ~e2 31.~aS e5+ Black had
a rock-like fortress and was taking over the
attack in Stefanov -Adelseck, corr. 2008.
17 ... hS 18.~e31Wd7
Bauer considers White to have insufficient
compensation, although in my view White is
probably nor worse.
For this reason I started to investigate the

alternative 18 ... dS!?, but here too White
a b c d e f g h seems to hold after the stunning: 19.ib4! ie6
TI1is might be nor so bad, but clearly White 20.ixdS!! Ei'.dS (Equality arises from 20 ... ixdS
will struggle to prove full compensation. Let 21.ixe?t ~gs 22.Ei'.cS=; while 20 ... ~xdS!?
us follow an instructive correspondence game: 21 j;d3 ~xd3 22.~xd3 ~gs 23.Ei'.c7 ~h7
24Jhe7 Ei'.hdS 25.~e2 E&acS(X) could well
5 ... cxd4 6.cxd4 lbxe4 7.dS IWaSt 8.ctJc3 be Black's best chance to play for a win, but
ctJxc3 9.bxc3 ctJeS 10.ctJxeS 1Wxc3t 11.~d2 objectively he is not better.)
378
19 ... dS
l 9 ... JiJ6 20.id ~g7 2 l.ixf6t exf6
22.~el! :§:f8 23.:§:e7 Wd8 24J:;:cc7 d5 25.~aS!
ifs 26.°1Wxd5 ~xd5 27jhd5= displays one
major point behind White's 19th.
20J~d3! °t!f1 e8
20 ... e6 21.tixdS!=
21.~xdS ~fS 22J~b3 ~d8 23.°t!f1f3! e6

a b c d e f g h 23 ... b6 24.gc?~
21.ie4!! ~hdl t 22.gxdl °1Wb5 23.§'.dSt °1We8
24.gxeSt ~xe8 25.ixb7 h4 26.if3!~ The
black is rook is kept out of the game and the
a7-pawn is vulnerable, two facts rendering the
position drawish.
Let us now see why White is no worse after

18 ... °1Wd7:
a b c d e f g h
24.~h4t @g8 25.~xb7 eS 26.~cS;i;
Black is still a pawn up, but White's activity
is so great that it amounts to excellent drawing
chances.
B22) S.~d3
a b c d e f g h
19.~h3!
Bauer failed to spot this move.
He instead looked only at 19.°1Wf3 if6 20.ic3

~g7 21.ixf6t exf6 2·2.°1We2 d5 23.~dl dxc4
24.gxd7 ixd7+ when Black should be able to
press for ages.
The idea of 19.!b3! is to allow White make

use of the c-file in some lines. One likely
continuation is:
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 379
The standard continuation. 7.~bS

This is considered by Bauer as the mam
S... dS! continuation.
Striking at the centre before White has time
to organize himself. 7.e6?
This gives Black a pawn for no reason at all.
6.eS 7 ... fxe6 8.4Jg5?!
Obviously the critical choice. 8.ic2 e5 9.l'tJd4 L'tJf6 10.4Jxc6 bxc6 l l.d3
e6 is also worse for White despite Black's
6.exd5 1Wxd5 7.\We2 is the alternative, hoping peculiar pawn structure, which I think
to untangle by ic4 and d2-d4. It is for this deserves a diagram:
reason that I recommend:
4 ,,
//
3 l.;;, /fj . ~ ?{GtJ; ;}

2 b lJ. .d~°ft~fj; b /~
JlltJ,~ JI; ~~ lI
a b c d e f g h
7 ... \We6! Forcing queens off, and taking the

sting out of a potential White initiative in
a typical middlegame IQP position. The
following correspondence game ended in
rather easy equality for Black: 8.4Ja3 1Wxe2t
9.~xe2 (9.ixe2 iJ5 10.0-0 a6= is fairly even
too) 9 ... e6 I0.ic2 L'tJd5 11.gdl ie7 12.d4
cxd4 13.l'tJb5 dxd 14Jhd5 exd5 l 5.4Jc7t
:;td7 16.4Jxa8 cxb2 17.ixb2 if6 18.ixf6
gxf6 19.ia4 :;td6 20.gbl E;e8t 21.'iid2 ie6
22Jhb7~ 1/2-Y2 Comes Dumoulin - Boehme,
corr. 2010. In the final position Black is a
pawn up, bur his worse pawn structure gives
White sufficient compensation to draw.
6 .. .c2Jd7
The pressure on e5 forces White to make
an immediate decision about the future of his
e-pa,vn, and as it turns out every move has its l l ... b6!
drawbacks. Black has a huge initiative, for example:
380 2.llJf3
12.0-0 12.dxeS e6 l 3.iJ4 ie7 14.0-0 0-0 l 5.ig3

l 2.d4 ia6+ is no improvement. a5! 16.iild4 iilxd4 17.cxd4 gf7x in Pichot -
12.iilf6t exf6 13.®xh8 ia6 won White Perez Ponsa, Saenz Pena 2014.
an exchange in Quillan - Ward, Oakham 1 l.bxc4 iilxf3t 12.~xf3 ~est 13.~e2
1990, bur he was left with awful light-square 13.°®e3 ~xe3t 14.fxe3 dxc4 15.iila3 iileS
weaknesses and an unsafe king. 16.iil bS ctds 17. :te2 g6x
12 ... ia6 13.nel ®e8 14.iilf6t exf6 15.®xh8 13 ... ~xe2t 14. ~xe2 g6!x
®g6 16.®h4?! The position is unclear, as both sides have
l 6.d4 cxd4+ is depressing too, bur was deficiencies in their pawn structure.
probably a better practical chance.
16 ... id3 17.iila3 id6-+
White, apparently disgusted with his
position, resigned in Gonzalez - Vera, Las
Tunas 1996.
7.®e2
This is a better move than 7.e6?, bur
compared to 7.ibS it gives Black the extra
option of:
7 ... c4!? 8.ic2 ®c7
Piling up on the e5-pawn.
9.e6!
9.ia4? iilc5+ a b c d e f g h
9 ... fxe6 10.b3! 7 ... e6!
1O.iilgS?! gave Black the advantage after Bauer considers the move 7 ... ®b6 as more
1O... iildeS l l .iilxh7 iild3t 12.ixd3 cxd3 critical, bur I don't like queen sorties in this
13.°®hSt <iids 14.0-0 ®d6 15.f4 id7 type of position. The main reason is that after
16.®g6 eS+ in Kura! - Sukhorukov, corr. ixc6 Black should recapture with the queen to
2007. justify his play (if he rakes back with the pawn
White will never play d2-d4, bur rather go for
c3-c4). However, I now feel we have lost too
much time, and I cannot see an appropriate
arrangement for the black pieces - with the
c8-bishop being a particular problem.
Therefore, I came to the conclusion that rhe
text is natural and best, opting for a French
structure without loss of time.
8.0-0 fie7 9.d4

a b c d e f g h Thus, after several adventures, White
manages to obtain a proper pawn chain in the
1O... iildeS!? centre, bur I think Black has decent chances in
Also tenable is 1O... b5, which led to a complex
the ensuing struggle.
struggle after l l.d4 (l l.d3!?) 11...eS!
Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 381
The untried 9.ixc6 bxc6~ does not impress c8-bishop becomes a good piece, as the centre
for White, as he has played two useless moves will almost certainly be opened up.
in this type of formation, namely c2-c3 and
h2-h3. One would expect the advantage to 10.~a4
be on Black's side, bur I haven't been able to TI1is is what practically everyone plays. One
find a clear way to it. One possible variation chief point of Black's play is that the bishop
is: 1O.d3 0-0 1 l .c4! f6!? 12.exf6 ixf6 13.ge 1 cannot retreat to d3, as the d4-pawn would be
( 13.~e2 eS! 14.ct'ld ctJ b6 15.ct'lxeS ge8 16.f4 hanging.
ia6 1niWB dxc4 18.dxc4 ct'lxc4=E)
10 ... 0-0 l 1.~d3
s A/ A logical move, trying to set up a battery on
7 i the bl-h7 diagonal.
6
11.dxcS is a typically Nimzowitschian move,
5
trying to play for the d4- and eS-squares, bur
4 Black should be okay after: 11 ... ~c7!? 12.b4
3 ct'idxeS 13.JJ4 ct'lxBt 14.~xB eS l 5.ih2
ie6~
1 Uie 1 fr5 l 2.exf6 ct'lxf6 13.ic2 id7 l 4.a3

a b C d e f g h
~&ac8= was okay for Black in Siger - Ederer,
13 ... dxc4!? 14.dxc4 ct'leS 15.ct'lxeS ~xdl corr. 2010.
16Jhdl ixeS 17.ct'lc3 (17.ct'ld2?! ia6~)
l 7 ... ia6 18.ie3 gfb8= With complete Finally, l l.ic2 cxd4 l 2.cxd4 f6 l 3.exf6 ixf6
equality. was the continuation in Dimov - Simeonov,
corr. 2011, and here best seems:
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h 14.ie3!?N (14.\Wd3 g6 15.gdl ig7 is at least
9 ... ~b6!? equal for Black, \Vith an exchange sac looming
Nmv that White has committed himself on B.) 14 ... ~xb2 15.ct'lbd2 ~a3 00 I am not
to d2-d4, this move acquires much more sure if \Xlhite's compensation for the pawn is
substance! The point is that taking on c6 sufficien r.
can be answered by ... bxc6 and suddenly the
382 2. ctJf3
logical, but there is one slight problem with it:

the e-pawn is hanging!
4 ... ~xe4
I rarely refuse to take a central pawn when
given the chance, so I didn't have any doubts
as to the best line here.
s.Wa4t ~c6 6.~xf7t <iixf7 7.Wxe4

White has recovered his pawn and even
deprived us of our castling rights, but a deeper
look is sufficient to convince everyone that
a b c d e f g h it is rather he who is fighting for equality.
Black has the two bishops, and the light
1 I...f6 12.~c2 g6
squares in the white camp are weak due to the
l 2 .. .f5!? was another possibility, but the text
is clearer. presence of the pawn on c3. Still, Black has
to coordinate his somewhat untidy position to
13.exf6 ~xf6 14.dxcS ~xcS 15.Wdl ~d8 have chances of an advantage, and one should
not think this is a task that will be carried out
16.~hd2 e5 17.~h3 ~e6~
Black had an excellent position in Scuderi - automatically.
Bancevich, corr. 2010. He later lost the game,
but the opening certainly cannot be blamed
for that!
B3) 4.~c4
a b c d e f g h
7 ... g6!?
A good move, and not too difficult to find.
One bishop will be developed on f5 and the
other on g7, in an attempt to control the
a b c d e f g h centre and perform artificial castling.
A spicier alternative. To be honest, I didn't
White has played both B31) 8.d4 and
know about the existence of this move until
John Shaw brought it to my attention. White's
B32) 8.0-0.
idea to push his pawn to d4 in one go is fairly
Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 383
s.tt::igst
This looks a bit premature; White cannot
attack with only two pieces.
8 ... ~g7 9.Wf4?!
Better was 9.ctJe6t ixe6 I0.Wxe6 ctJe5
11.0-0 Wc8 12.Wd5 Wc6 13.Wxc6 4Jxc6+
with an edge for Black.
9 ... if5 I0.d4?!
This was Miladinovic - Juhasz, Senta 2009,
when Black should have continued:
a b c d e f g h
l 4 ... 4Jxd4 l 5.cxd4 iJ5 l 6.dxe4 ixe4 l 7.Wb3
ixd4 18.ctJc3 id3 19.ctJxdS!
The players agreed a draw in An. Gupta -
Mohanakrishnan, corr. 2012, in view of the
following variation:
19 ... ixfl 20.ctJf6t ~h8 21.4Jxe8 ixg2!
22.~xg2 Wh4=
Black recovers his piece with an even game.
B31) 8.d4
10 ... cxd4!N l 1.cxd4 h6 l 2.Wxf5

12.ctJf.3? ctJb4-+
12 ... gxfS l 3.ctJe6t 'itf7 14.ctJxdSt gxd8+
Black holds a large advantage, as the enemy
d-pawn is about to fall.
s.Wc4t
This can be answered with a dynamic pawn
sacrifice:
8 ... d5!? 9.~xc5 e5
Black obtains control of the centre with gain
of time. The following game confirmed the
soundness of Black's position:
10.t,~d e4 l l.ctJd4 ig7 12.0-0 geS 13.d3 This is the main alternative to castling,
:;tgs 14.h3! trying to control the centre and quickly free
l 4.4Jxc6 bxc6 l 5.d4 a5!~ gives Black the c I-bishop for attacking purposes.
powerful compensation, as the a8-rook
can switch over to the kingside via a7 to 8 ... cxd4
participate in a potential attack. White has the following choice:
9.cxd4
This looks most natural, even if the pawn is a
bit weak on d4. On the bright side, the knight
384 2.Ei:Jf3
can now be developed on d, and important 14 ... ~bS!? l 5.CLid2 ~xb2 l 6.ctJe4 ~g8
squares in the centre are kept under control. 1n~h4 if6 18.~g4 Vffc2 19.gabl Ei'.ab8
20.Cuxf6t gxf6 21.~d7 j;dS 22.~c7 ~f5
9.c2ixd4 23Jhb7 ~c8 24.'i~~-fd7 a6 25.:Stbl ~t7 26.~xf5
IfI were Black here, this would make me feel 3xf5= Tleptsok - Almeida, corr. 2010.
a lot happier, thinking, wow, no more checks
on g5! A possible continuation is: 9 ... iJS 10.We2
9 ... \Wd7!? 10.0-0 The right move.
As in Siger - Szenczy, corr. 2008. Here I like:
10.~ dSt? is a pointless check that occurred in
8 ;i~j_~ ~ f~ Rafailov - Kohlweyer, Albena 2013, and here
~ ·~ :w/·\UIJ/'." : r..!J../A~
7 1~ i ~ '51 f~~ffi@ ' simply 1O... e6N 1 l.~b3 ~b6 l 2.Wxb6 axb6
6 ~IIJ~ J~ i ;11°~ 13.'lld 'll b4 14.0-0 'llc2 l SJ:~b 1 bS+ would
have led to a considerable endgame plus for
5 • • • f~?:
3• •
4
2
~ :CffvtillJ~
~@ /~· § ~~
[j{~ •
;;}¥~f{i /:;"\ ;Ji~
~~~~
~ I~
f:~
~~§;~
• fj;~
'Fr 'r<A
~~·
)!;Ji
Black.
1o... ii.g7 11 ..ie3?!

This did not impress me, as the bishop is
a bit clumsy. I believe 11.'lld! would have
a b c d e f g h maintained the equilibrium.
10 .. .luxd4!N l l.cxd4 \Wf5 12.~e2 ig7

So far we have followed Froewis - Anders,
13.Ei'.dl b6!
Aigen 2004. At this point Black should have
ms
13 ... l 4.ctk3 id7 l 5.d5! is unclear.
played the natural:
White intends to trade our good bishop with
ie3-d4.
14.'lld ib7 l 5.\Wc4 t!?
15 .ie3 Ei'.hc8+
15 ... \We6 16.d5 \Wf5 17.ie3 Ei'.hc8 18.1Wb3
1Wg4!+
The second player is slightly for choice.
I4 .. .lDb4~
Black has the more pleasant game. He is
fighting successfully for the light squares and
Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 385
has no weaknesses in his camp, while White

lacks a constructive plan.
B32) 8.0-0
a b c d e f g h
10 ... dS l l.~e2 cxd4 12.cxd4 ig7 13J~dl
13.ttJgSt? ~g8 l 4.4Jxe6 ~e8 l 5.ttJf4
4Jxd4+ lands White in a bad endgame as his
queenside will be paralysed.
l 3 ... ig4 l 4.ie3
This was H. Andersson - Miras Garcia, corr.
2008. I would suggest:
A logical choice, bringing the king to safety 14 ... :SfSN l 5.h3 ixf3 l 6.~xf3t ~g8
while keeping the possibility of checks on c4. Leading to a balanced game.
l 7.~g4 ~e8!? l 8.4Jc3
8 ...iJS l 8.4Jd2?! hS! wins the d4-pawn.
This developing move is quite natural. 18 ... ~f7 19.Eacl Eae8=
Black has deployed his forces quite
Another possibility is 8 ... eS 9.d4 iJS 1O.~e3 harmoniously, and I don't see a problem for
cxd4 l l .cxd4 ~b6 12.dxeS ~xe3 13.fxe3! him in the ensuing fight.
~g7 14.exdG ixd6 15.Ctk3±, when White's
extra pawn gave him a slight edge in Tleptsok 9.~e2 ig7 10.ttJgSt ~e8 l l.4Je6 (l l.g4 h6!+
- Wicklund Hansen, corr. 2009. Black failed is hardly problematic for Black) 11...ixeG
to defend accurately in the remainder of the 12.®xe6 ®d7 13.®e2 ©d8 14.d3 ©c7 00
game and lost.
9.ctJgSt!?
One of the two annoying checks White has
at chis point.
9.~c4t e6
9 ... c;tg7 10.d4±
10.d4
10.®e2 ig7 l l.d4?! cxd4 12.ttJgSt c;tgs
13.4Jxe6 ~e8 14.ttJxd4 4Jxd4 l 5.~xe8t
Exe8 l 6.cxd4 ixd4 is at least equal for us.
This led to unclear play in Muskewitz -
Tscheuschner, Berlin 2014, and is perhaps
386 2.'Llf3
White's most interesting cry. Having said that, will be relatively safe on h7, and other pluses
I don't see anything wrong with our position include an open g-file and a central pawn
and after .. Jfaf8 followed by ... ~b8. The black preponderance. A lively struggle is in prospect.
king feels safe enough to allow us proceed with
play in the centre and on the kingside, with B4) 4.~d3
typical moves like ... '\Wf5 and ... h5.
9 ... @f6!?
Peculiar, but not bad!
I0.1Mf e3 h6
10 ... c4N also looks interesting.
11.~f3@g7N
l l...'1Wb6 12.'Llh4 geS 13.'Lla3 e6 14.'Llxf5
gxf5 l 5.'Llc2 gg8 00 was Trani - Richard, corr.
1999, but I somehow feel the text is safer.
12.~h4!? a b c d e f g h
12.d4 cxd4 13.cxd4 t2Jb4! is a typical device This is a straightforward attempt to develop
to remember. Black conquers d5 with a slightly the kingside and, at the same time, prepare
better game. the formation with pawns on d4 and e4 in
the centre. It may look a bit clumsy, but its
adoption by several strong players indicates
that it is not entirely devoid of venom.
4 ... ~c6 s.~c2

5.0-0 will probably transpose, but playing
in the manner of the text keeps the option of
the typical Giuoco Piano manoeuvre itJ b l-d2-
fl-e3(g3) before castling.
5.h3 d5 transposes to variation B22.
s... ~g4
a b c d e f g h The most critical continuation, making the
12 ... eS!? realization of d2-d4 difficult.
Why not? Giving up the bishop pair in return
for a central pawn mass looks strategically 6.d3
justified here. This is what practically everyone plays.
13.~xfSt gxfSCX) 6.d4 has been known to lead to a good game

This position certainly requires practical for Black since the early 1960s. 6 ... cxd4 7.cxd4
tests, but I don't believe Black is worse; his king e5 8.d5 c2Jd4 9.fe3
Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 387
8 ... ie7 9.~bd2 ~d7 10.We2 0-0 l l.g4

11.~fl ~de5~
l l...ig6 12.h4 f6
With chances for both sides.
B41) 7.0-0
a b c d e f g h
9 .. .c'.thc2t! 10.Wxc2 ie7 l l.~c3 0-0 12.~d2

id7 13.f.3 Was 14.0-0 ~fc8 l 5.~b3 Wa6
16.Wf2 ids 17.~fcl ~h5 l 8.g3 ~f6 l 9.a3
~e8 20.Wfl b5 2 l .c;!;Jg2 ~b7 22.~a2 f5t
In Kozomara - Gligoric, Sarajevo 1961, the
famous Serbian GM had the initiative and
went on to win.
6.h3 ih5 7.d3 will transpose to lines below.
6 ... e6
At this point White has B41) 7.0-0 or
B42) 7.'Dhd2.
7.h3 ih5 7 ...~e7 8.'Dbd2

This will most probably transpose to lines 8.ie3 d5 is hardly inspiring for White. 9.h3
featured below, unless White now tries to ih5 10.~bd2 0-0+ with the idea ... Wc7, and
develop his queen's bishop: the e3-bishop is a weakness.
8.if4
8.g4 ig6 9.~h4 d5 10.~d2 idG 11.We2 8 ... 0-0
Wc7 12.ia4 dxe4 13.~xe4 ~xe4 14.dxe4
0-0-0 15.0-0 ie7!+ was absolutely
problem-free for Black in Bachmann -
B. Smith, Freemont 2012.
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
388 2.ctJf3
9.~el Alternatively:
If White wants to chase and capture the 9 ... d5 10.h3
enemy bishop it is preferable that he does it 10.i~e2?! ~c7 l 1.h3 ih5 12.ctJfl gads
immediately: 13.ctJg3 ig6 14.ctJh4 id6! 15.ctJxgG fxg6!?
9.h3 i,h5 10.g4 i,g6 l 1.4Jh4 4Jd7 l 2.4Jxg6 16.ctJfl if4 l 7.ixf4 Wxf4 l 8.We3 Wxe3
hxg6 l 9.4Jxe3 d4 20.ctJfl ~f7! 21.a4 b6 22.gedl
It is better for White to still have his rook on :.:te7+ gave Black a nice edge in Akopian -
fl in this type of structure, although Black Vasquez, Khanry-Mansiysk 2013.
is still fine. 1O... ih5 l l .g4 ig6 l 2.4Jh4 dxe4
13.f4 12 ... Wc7!?cx:; is also unclear.
13.ctJf3 4Jce5! 14.4Jxe5 dxe5+
.I. .~ ;_i;*;
+!'f~. .
8 ,,j
7
6
".t !.~ a
/;:; ; 'r.il.l ;; ..• • 'r.il.l .JL /
5 /.t.~
/// X .;, ,
4
3
2
a b c d e f g h
13.ctJxgG hxg6 l 4.dxe4 4Je5 l 5.We2 g5!
l 6.ctJf3 ctJfd7 17.ctJxeS 4Jxe5 18.h4! ctJg6
19.h5 4Je5 20.f4 gxf4 2Lixf4 id6 22.gadl
As played in Nevednichy - R. Dimitrov,
Plovdiv 2014.
22 ... WbG!?NCX)
In the game Dimitrov placed his queen on
c7, and even won eventually, bur somehow I
feel it does no harm to have c7 available for
the bishop, as exchanges along the d-file look
helpful for Black.
10.h3
10.ctJfl is also possible. After 10 ... 4Jd7!
I see nothing better for White than l l.h3,
transposing to the note to White's 11th move.
l l.4Jg3 i,g6 l 2.i,e3 (12.d4 cxd4 l 3.cxd4
gc8~) l 2 ... b5! l 3.d4 ctJ b6= shouldn't worry
Black, as his queenside play is quite decent.
a b c d e f g h
10 .. .tbd7
9 ... ~hS!? An important juncture, with White having a
Asking White what his next move is. choice bmveen l l.g4 and 11.ctJfl.
Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 389
19.icl h6!+
To stop ct:Jg3-f5 ideas.
In Panajotov - Kr. Georgiev, Albena 20 I 0,
Krum was slightly better, but an error of
judgement later allowed his opponent to turn
the tables and win.
11...~g6 12.CtJfl bS
Logical chess: Black gains space and a good
square for his knight on b6.
111e point of Hort's conception would be

a b c d e f g h evident after 12 ... ct:JdeS 13.ct:J3h2! !h4?! 14.f4!
1I.g4 !xe I 15.~xe 1 fS 16.fxeS±, with complications
1he great Vlastimil Hort has played this that do not seem unfavourable for the first
move, which in itself is a recommendation. player.
·'l)·i·i
Before transferring his knight to g3, White
gains space and avoids exchanges.
11. ctJ fl
This should be answered by:
11 ... ct:JdeS 12.g4
7.sRi•
s
6
.iB
~. B
L.,;:
-~-iRJ.R
UR
~~--
/..... / •
l 2.ctJg3 !xf3 l 3.gxf3 ct:Jg6! I 4.f4 ct:Jh4 is

fine for Black, who intends ... ~h8 followed 4 R UbRbR
by .. .f5.
3U ~bR!tJRb
/~Jtli.u, /~wl~
12 ... ct:Jxf3t l 3.Wxf3 !g6 l 4.ct:Jg3 !h4!
l 5.ie3 gc8 2
Black has an excellent position.
16.gadl
1 ~~ ~v~~ltJ~
16.~g2 ~d7 17.gfl ~h8 18.f4 fS+ is also
a b c d e f g h
slightly better for Black. 13.CtJg3 CtJb6 I4JWe2 dS 15.~e3 Wf d7
I6J~adl fS!f!
Black stood excellently in Hort - Pelletier,
Essen 2000, but the legendary Czech player
prevailed in the complicated struggle that
followed.
B42) 7.CtJbd2 ~e7 8.h3
8.ct:Jfl dS! 9.~e2 c4! 10.exdS cxd3 I l.!xd3

ct:JxdS 12.h3 !xf3 13.~xf3 ~aS 14.!e4 0-0
l 5.ct:Jd2 fS 16.!xdS ~xdS 17.~xdS exd5
a b c d e f g h 18.ct:Jf3 !f6 19.0-0 d4 was balanced in Short
16 ... c4!? 17.dxc4 4Je5 18.Wg2 4Jxc4 -Kasparov,Zurich2001.
390 2.ctJf3
11.'Llg3
Attacking the hS-bishop.
11.exdS cxd3 l 2.~xd3

White got crushed after 12.~xd3 ~xd5
13.~c4?! (13.~e3!N ~d7 14.~c2 ~c7
l 5.id2 was apparently White's only try for
equality, although Black's position remains
the more attractive one after 15 ... 0-0+.)
13 .. .V~aS!t 14.~g3? ~d4! 15.~dl ~xf3t
l 6.gxf3 ig6 17. 1~%3 0-0 l 8jk3 gab8
l 9jriJ4 e5-+ 20.ie3 b5 2L~e2 :§:fdS 22.h4
b4! 23.gdl bxc3 0-1 Crosa - G. Jones,
Istanbul (ol) 2012.
12 ... ~xdS 13.~xdS ct:lxd5 14.ge4 0-0-0!
15.ct:lg3ig616.ixg6hxg617.~e2e518J;dl
f5+
B421) 9.'Llfl dS! Black was left with a small but clear advantage
in Laznicka - Sedlak, Turin (ol) 2006.
Black is fine, as both the following lines illustrate:
B4211) 10.\We2 and B4212) 10.'Llg3!?. l l.dxc4 dxe4 12.ixe4 ct:lxe4 13.~xe4 ig6
14. ~ e3 0-0 15. ct:l g3
B4211) 10.\We2 c4! This wins a pawn, but Black's compensation
_,_%~,-i"
is tremendous:
s AR B•R ~~ 15 ... eS!? 16.0-0

16.ct:lxeS ct:lxe5 17.~xeS id6 18.~d4 ge8t
s
4
R ~.:.»
: /, %Rfa,.t."~f /R
R1
RiR8R R
l 9.ct:le2 ~c7 20.ie3 gadS+ looks awful
for White as both his king and queen are
exposed.
3R ~8RtZJR8
28~1LRV~8R
/""'/ ~';0, ~[;0, ~
1 ~~ ~ ~l2J~:
a b c d e f g h
This allows Black to liquidate White's pawn
chain in the style of the Short - Kasparov game
above. White has an extra possibility compared
to that game as the bishop is on h5, but White
can hope for equality at most in the ensuing
positions:
Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 391
Bogoroditsk 2011, although at this point he

could have improved:
20.iJ4!N+
1his prudent blockading move would have
minimized the damage.
11...cxd3 I2.ilxd3 ilg6 13.0-0 0-0 14.eS

CLJd7
Some engines consider l 4 ... ixd3 l 5.V:Jfxd3
4Jd7 as more exact, but the truth is that the
immediate knight retreat appears safer and
more human.
B4212) I0.CLJg3!?
Played by the Russian opening connoisseur

Kharlov (among others), this move looks like
16.Bel a6 17.ilf4 bS 18.§:adl the best possibility for White in the given
In the game we are examining, Black situation, as it avoids an opening of the centre
quickly went astray with: 18 ... 4Jb6?! l 9.4Je4! that could only favour Black.
Wc7 20.4Jeg5 b4 2 I .cxb4 ixb4 22Jm cZJd7
23.h4 ~b7? 24.hS gxh5 25.~d3 g6 26.a3 10 ... ilg6
ie7 27.4Jxe6! White was already winning in 1O... ilxf.3 11.V:Jfxf.3 d4 00 is possible, but I see
Rozentalis - Atakisi, Istanbul 2009. no reason to give up the bishop pair.
Although White controls more space on the
kino-side
b '
there is nothirn~ simple for him after
1,,...l 11.0-0
sound moves such as: This looks like the most natural response.
392
I also looked at l l .ctJh4, when I think the 13 ... ctJxdS l 4.ltJe4 ie7 l 5.ia4!? 0-0 l 6.ixc6
safest equalizing method is l l...~c7 12.ctJxg6 ~xc6
hxg6 13.0-0 2'.d8 l 4.~e2 a6 l 5.a4 ctJa5 Black was perhaps a shade better in Makarov
16.2'.b 1 dxe4 l 7.dxe4 c4= as played in Barlov - Macieja, Presov 2000.
- Ehl vest, Vrsac 1987.
11...°1Wc7!?
l l.~e2 The most flexible choice, keeping open the
This is a flexible try that deserves some options of ... id6, ... 0-0 and ... 0-0-0.
attention.
1 l...~c7! 12.~el 0-0-0!?
Nevertheless Black should have no problems, A daring concept, but by no means bad;
as he is preparing to fight against the Black is slightly ahead in development and
g3-knight by playing ... id6 next: controls more space, so why not castle long?
12.0-0
The complicated alternative l 2.a3 0-0 13.eS
13.0-0 id6 l 4.ltJh4!? ixg3 l 5.fxg3 occurred Natural. White closes the d-file and opts for
in Ostermeyer - Tal, Porz 1981. It seems to a manoeuvring game.
me that Tal's choice of l 5 ... ~xg3!? 00 was
actually riskier than the more harmonious The more elastic 13.~e2 would have been
15 ... ltJhS!N, which he fails to comment answered by 13 ... ltJhS!, when Black solves
upon. After 16.~el ~xg3 l 7.~xg3 ctJxg3 all his problems. If 14.ltJfl then l 4 ... dxe4
18.2'.el ctJh5 19.exdS exd5 20.ctJxg6 hxg6 l 5.dxe4 ltJf4 l 6.~e3 e5 l 7.ctJg3 f6= with a
2 l .id2 2'.ac8 22.~f2 ltJf6 the computer says balanced game.
it's equal, but as far as I'm concerned Black
is a pawn to the good. I would expect him to 13 .. .Clld7 14.d4 ~xc2 15.°1Wxc2
have the upper hand in a human fight.
a b c d e f g h
15 ... h6!?
Playing for the full point.
Instead l 5 ... cxd4 l 6.cxd4 ctJ b4 l 7.~xc7t
~xc7 18.igS ixg5 19.ctJxgS 2'.df8= would
have been thoroughly balanced.
Chapter 21 - 2 ... d6 393
16.i,e3 cxd4 17.cxd4 @b8 18.a3 ~as

19.Wfdl ~c8 20.h4 ~c4 21.i,cl Wfc6
22.~hS g6 23.~f4 CLJcb6 24.CLJd3 Wf c2
25.~cS Wfxdl 26Jhdl @c7!m
Black went on to win a complex game in
Kharlov - Khairullin, Serpukhov 2008.
B422) 9.Wf e2!?
a b c d e f g h
16 .. J:he8N l 7.4Jb3 ctJd7+ Maintaining
excellent control over the dark squares, with a
slight yet steady advantage.
I0.g4 ig6 11.c2:ih4 Wc7 12.c2:ig2!?

This is Akopian's approach, bringing the
important f4-square under control and
creating fresh problems with the f2-f4-f5 idea.
12 ... 0-0-0 13.0-0
A preparatory move chosen by Kasparov

himself~ which carries the most venom.
After 9.Wie2 White is toying with the ideas
of 4Jd2-fl-g3, g2-g4 and 0-0, so Black needs
to make up his mind on how to react.
9 ... dS!
A concrete response. Now 10.ctJfl c4!
transposes to a position analysed on page 390
that is satisfactory for Black, so White must
seek other ways to infuse life into his position. 13 ... h6!?
l 3 ... ghe8 14.Be 1 id6 occurred in Akopian
Kasparov twice faced 9 ... Wc7, and after - Gelfand, Enghien-les-Bains 2003, with
10.ctJfl, intending g2-g4 followed by ctJg3, he approximately even chances.
had things more or less going his way. An idea for Black is to retreat his bishop
to h7 and then follow up with ... g5 and
10.0-0 ... h5, so White must watch out. A possible
1O.ia4 0-0 1 l .g4 ig6 12.ixc6 bxc6 continuation is:
13.ctJeS V11 c7 14.t2ixg6 fxg6! 15.0-0 id6 16.c4 14.C2if3 id6 IS.Bel dxe4 16.dxe4 ih7!?N
happened in Rodchenkov - Khismatullin, Less testing was l 6 ... ctJd7 l 7.ie3! hS 18.gS
Kazan 2007, and here Denis should have h4 19.Wfl ihS 20.idl ~b8 2I.c2:ifxh4
simply played: ih2t 22.~hl 00 , when White was probably
394
not worse in Kreutz - Hechl, corr. 2009. control over several critical dark squares gives
17.ib 1 icid7+ him a good game. For example, l 5.icih4 icid7
In my opinion Black has the better chances, l 6Jfd 1 f6 and White's weaknesses are slowly
as I don't see a concrete way for White to justify starting to tell.
the strange placement of his pieces.
12 ... gS! 13.eS?!
I0 .. :~c7 l 3.b4!?N was undoubtedly more critical, as
Again, being flexible looks like the best way now the game becomes one-sided.
to handle the issue. Castling can wait - it is
more important to control the precious dark
squares first.
11 ..El:el
l l .a3!? is another try, but White should not
continue like this: 11...0-0 l 2.g4 ig6 l 3.icih4
icixg4 l 4.~xg4 f5 l 5.exf5 exf5 l 6. 1~h4 ie8
l 7.icihf3 icia5 0-1 T.Y. Petrosian - Kotov,
Voronovo 1952. Thankfully for the 9th World
Champion, this was only a training game.
a b c d e f g h
13 ... g4! 14.exf6 gxf3 15.'\We3?!
A second mistake that practically seals
White's fate.
15.icixf.3 ixf6 16.g41g6 l 7.ih6 had to be
tried, holding back the attack. Even then, after
Surovsky's 17 .. J~he8t planning ... e5-e4, the
advantage must be on Black's side.
1s ... ~xf6 16.1Wh6?! ~hg8-+

Black's attack was already decisive in
a b c d e f g h Areshchenko - Sutovsky, Gibraltar 2005.
11 ... 0-0-0! Conclusion

A hyper-aggressive move, which seems to be
enough for at least equal play. This was an important chapter, dealing with
several quite annoying possibilities at White's
12.a3 disposal after l.e4 c5 2.icif.3 d6. These
White dreams of a queenside attack, but continuations are not as widespread as 3.d4 is,
Black's next prepares to unleash his own bur contain some poison and require certain
attacking potential. knowledge from Black players. I believe my
For this reason the more reserved 12.icifl suggestions leave Black in good shape, and I
may well be better, although even then, after wish the readers well in their future battles -
12 ... id6N 13.g4 dxe4 14.dxe4 ig6~, Black's where many creative games lie ahead!
s X /'2,.i.iht1~'l)f~
7 •& & :(;;;; & /&~ &
,A/ A /_h,//, A /A: A /.(:. A
& 7.a.~
.•• IA\ .. :j/;;, i;ii.;.
6 //,',j..-.i//·',;:;, //Jj; 0:%
5 • '";f/ •/
4
3
2
a b c d e f g h
Introduction
Variation Index
1.e4 cS 2.'Llf3
2 ... 'Llc6
A) 3.g3 396
B) 3.c3 397
C) 3 ..ihS d6 4.c3 'Llf6! 399
CI) S.eS 399
C2) S.'We2 .id7 401
C21) 6.0-0 401
C22) 6.d4 403
Cl) after 9.gxf3 C2 l) after l 3JiJ4 C22) note to 8jhc6
9 ... bxc6!.'.\ 13 ... ~'c8!!~ 10 .. Jk8!N

396
1.e4 cS vt~f3 'llc6 4.~g2

In this chapter we will consider the sidelines 4.d4 cxd4 5.'Llxd4 ~g7 6.'Lle2 will lead to
A) 3.g3 and B) 3.c3, before moving on to the the harmless Fianchetto Variation against the
more serious business of C) 3.~bS. Dragon. As I mentioned on page 369, it is
beyond the scope of this book to cover this in
The important 3.'Llc3 has been covered 111 detail, and I could hardly improve on Gawain
Chapter 12, while 3.d3 g6 (3 ... 'Llf6 followed Jones's recent work in any case. If you don't
by ... dS is also fine) 4.g3 fg7 5.fg2 eS will wish to allow this, I would suggest 3 ... 'Llf6 and
almost certainly transpose to variation A. 4 ... d5 as mentioned above.
A) 3.g3 4 ... ~g7 5.0-0 eS 6.d3 'llge7 7.c3

Other moves exist of course, but the
queenside expansion has been White's most
popular plan.
7 ... 0-0 8.a3 d6

8 ... aS? would be a positional mistake due to
9.a4!, when White gets some great squares on
the queenside.
a b c d e f g h
This is perhaps the most harmless version of
the King's Indian Attack, so I will not devote
too much space to it.
3 ... g6
3 ... e6 4.fg2 dS 5.exdS exdS could transpose
to variation D of Chapter 20 after 6.d4, but
6.0-0 is an extra possibility which I would
rather not allow.
3 ... 'Llf6 4.d3 dS is a simple and strong

alternative, when Black can choose between
several reversed King's Indian set-ups. The
kingside fianchetto could be an especially good
choice, as it safeguards against a kingside attack 11...~e6 12. 'll h3
and leads to positions where White's extra 12.2'.el bS 13.iWb 1 iWb6 (13 .. JfbS!?N
tempo is unlikely to make a huge difference. followed by ... aS is also promising) 14.'Llfl
However, I will focus on a Botvinnik-style set- occurred in Adly - Vidi t, Tsaghkadzor 2015,
up, as it can also arise via the 2 ... d6 3.g3 move when 14 ... aS!N would have been excellent for
order, as discussed on page 369. Black.
12 ... b6 13.d4?! certain set-ups, but Black's posmon remains

The central expansion does more harm fully compatible with the proposed repertoire
than good, but if this does not work then it is beginning on page 77.
obvious that White's opening scheme has not
been a success. 3 .. .tLif6 4.eS
4.d3 and 4.~c2 have both been tried, but
one does not require special preparation to
meet such moves.
4 ... ctJdS
This will usually transpose to one of the
variations analysed under the 2.c3 section.
White has some independent tries, but none
of them should trouble us.
S.d4
5.fc4 e6 either leads to a mainstream
variation or a harmless sideline, for instance:
a) 6.0-0 d6 7.exd6 (7.d4 cxd4 transposes to

note 'b' below) 7 ... fxd6 8.d4 0-0 gives Black
smooth development and a pleasant game.
15 ... dS!N b) 6.d4 cxd4 7.0-0 (7.cxd4 d6 leads to

Stabilizing Black's central position before Chapter 8) 7 ... d6 8.fxd5?! (8.cxd4 is Chapter
eating the b4-pawn. 8 again) 8 ... exd5 9.Ei'.el ile6 10.cxd4 dxeS
1 l.CUxe5 CUxe5 l 2.dxe5 fc5 with two bishops
B) 3.c3 and an active position for Black, Pruja Ramirez
de Cartagen - Salgado Lopez, Badajoz 2013.
s... cxd4 6.cxd4

6.ilc4 e6 transposes to note 'b' above.
a b c d e f g h
398
6 ... d6 7.CLlc3?!
This is the most popular of White's non-
transpositional options, but it damages his
structure and leaves him fighting for equality
if Black responds correctly.
The most popular and best continuation is

7.ic4 e6, which transposes to Chapter 8.
7.ie2 is too timid to cause us any problems;

7 ... g6 is one good reply.
7.a3 is a poor relation of the 7.a3 line seen

on page 123. Since Black has not played ... e6
here, he has the easy option of 7 ... dxe5 8.dxe5
ig4 9.ie2 e6 with a comfortable game.
7.exd6 has been played many times, but 16.e6!

Black can already think about taking over the 16.exf6 gxf6 17.id3 gd6 was unpleasant
initiative with: 7 ... ig4!? (7 ... e6 and 7 ... ®xd6 for White in Kharlov - Fedorov, Ekaterinburg
are also fine of course) 8.ie2 (8.dxe7? ®xe7t 2002.
9.ie2 ixf3 10.gxf.3 0-0-0+) 8 ... e6 Black will
pick up the d6-pawn and obtain an excellent 16 ... ltJxe6 I 7Jhb7 ltJcS 18.ic4t @h8
position, having developed his light-squared 19.~xa7
bishop on a more active square than normal in
the IQP structure.
8 BAB ~~ •L.J
B B ~,,~
7 ... dxeS 1 ~~ B.t~
/ ~ y
., / /, ;,,,,,~
Heading straight for a better endgame.
6 RR ~iR
a.
sB ~BR
/,. . . . / a///, "
3-~~-J-~
7 ... 1:;2hc3 8.bxc3 dxe5 is playable, but messier
~%%'
after 9.d5.
Bit~ t!!] a
8. ·8~
4
8.dxeS
~
8.CLlxe5 Ctlxc3 9.Ctlxc6 Ctlxdl I0.Ctixd8 ~xd8
2 ~ ~-
11.~xdl ie6+ Black blockades the IQP and
1R RR RM
/,,,,/, /,/,
will be able to press for a long time.

a b c d e f g h
8 .. .CtJxc3 9.\WxdSt ltJxd8 10.bxc3 id?
I I.ie3 g6 12. ltJ d4 19 ... eS 20.fxeS fxeS 2I.ltJe2 ltJe4t 22.@el
l 2J~b 1 ig7 leaves the e5-pawn vulnerable,
~xc4 23.~xd7 ~a4
Black kept a slight initiative, although White
so White should arrange to play f2-f4 while he
held the draw without too much trouble in
has the chance.
Lindhard - Krabbe, corr. 2013.
C) 3.~bS acquires paramount importance, at least until

we have managed to castle.
3 ... d6 4.c3
This has some logic to it, aiming to play
d2-d4 as quickly as possible. White's other 4th
moves are examined in the next three chapters.
4 ... ~f6!
Attacking the e4-pawn forces a small
concession. Play may continue with Cl) 5.eS
or the more common C2) SJMf e2.
Cl) 5.eS dxeS 6.~xeS ~dS!? 7.~xc6
a b c d e f g h
The Rossolimo Variation has become a
popular way to avoid the main lines of the
Sicilian and their heavy theoretical debates.
White aims at quick castling, and then fighting
for control of the centre by means of c2-c3
and d2-d4. The plan is simple in essence bur
surprisingly difficult to meet in praxis, and
Black players should be aware that they need to
be well prepared and patient in order to face it
with success. For the purposes of our repertoire
I am recommending a system based on 3 ... d6
and 4 ... id7, which can also be applied by a b c d e f g h
Black players who have to play the move 2 ... d6
7 ...~d7!
in order to reach their favourite Sicilian. I evaluate Black's chances as somewhat
To be honest, my personal view is that higher. The only challenging continuation is:
Carlsen's beloved way of avoiding the Najdorf
or the Dragon by means of 3.~b5t should be 8.~f3 ~xf3 9.gxf3
rather harmless after the solid reaction 3 ... ~d7,
but for practical reasons I deemed it more
appropriate to suggest 3 .. .CLlc6 even in that
case, transposing to the Universal Rossolimo
Variation, as I call it. This system, including
both ... CtJc6 and ... d6, is more in keeping with
our attempt to obtain lively positions, as it
avoids an exchange of bishops at such an early
stage. On the other hand, it has the disadvantage
of a somewhat stilted kingside development,
which White will try to exploit. It is exactly for
this reason that mastering the opening nuances
400 2. ctJ f3 ctJ c6
9 ... bxc6!N This is an instructive manoeuvre, with Black

It is important to keep all three minor pieces aiming at White's weaknesses.
on the board, in order to exploit the weakness
on f3 and White's exposed king. 12.ctJd2
l 2.f4?! ctJ b6+
Weaker is: 9 ... ixc6?! 10Jhc6t bxc6 11.d3
e6 12.ctJd2 ctJd7 13.ctJc4 ctJb6 14.ctJa5! ~d7
15.ie3 gb8 16.0-0-0± White had a solid
plus in Sulskis - Degraeve, Cappelle la Grande
2001, and went on to win.
Another possibility is: 9 ... a6 10.ia4 ctJd5

l l.d4!
8 _i ~ ~ffl~ t.i%
-'ll~
7 ~ & ~ . 6 ¥!!./.?~~ & ;{&"t &
~ A 3%: .JL ::A;: A C'./ A
•
6 & ~t,'\~
w~~~i
~ ~{:;
~:00 /:?/.,;;:
5~ ~ a b c d e f g h
4 ~~ f~ ~ ~ 12 ... ctJeS 13.@e2 ~g6!
3 ~
~
;{N~
;:Q/ ~A~
~;;; Q 'i/:;;;;;; Giving the bishop access to the h5-square.
2
oA ~N1
fq~ ~
ww ~Nt
rq~ :;}iN~
:,Q~
1i~~m ~ ~M 14.f4
l 4.ctJe4 ih5+
a b c d e f g h
1 l...e6! (11...cxd4? 12.ctJ b4!±) l 2.dxc5 ixc5 14 ... ctJxc4 15.ctJxc4 f6 16.~e3 0-0-0
l 3.ctJd2 ixc6 14.ixc6t bxc6 l 5.ctJc4 f6 17J:~hdl :§:dS 18.b4 e6 19.a3 @c7 20.ctJaS
16.ie3 ie7 17.ctJa5 ~d7 18.0-0-0 ~c7= ~d6 21.ctJb3 :§:fS 22.ctJxcS ~xcS 23.~xcS
I consider the position to be approximately 23.bxc5 e5t
equal.
/,''"'/
R R R ~~
•
After 9 ... bxc6! it is White who is struggling for 8 ~ ~ :%i ;;::
/,,, / ,Y,
I~ :••· R R rTi
equality. For example: ~;(0
7 L,,;:; / ~
/,,,,,/,
~ /,,,,,/,
10.~c4 6 RiRtrl.tR
In case of 10.ia4 ctJd5 l l.d3 0-0-0 5 R ~ ~ Ri:R ~ ~
~b-
,,,,,,r,
/,,,,/, R
wf1 /,,.,,/, R
the weakness of the d3-pawn and the
f4-square allow Black to dictate the play, as the
4 ffi ff1 ~
following line shows: 12.ie3 (12.ctJa3 g6+) ~~
3 r /,,,,,/, R %0
/,,.,,/, ~
12 ... g6 13.ctJd2 (13.ixc5 ctJf4 14.ic2 if5t) 2
R
R ffi -~~ /.,,/, f[!J::
13 ... if5 14.ctJe4 4Jxe3 15.fxe3 gxd3 16.~e2
c4 17.gadl gxdl 18.gxdl ~c7+
/"" /
~~
:;;i ;;::
/,,,,, Y,
a b
u:u
~·
C d e f
R
g
L3
h
10 ... ~fS l l.d3 ltJd7!
23 .. Jhf4+ 8.~dl
Black has the more pleasant posmon, White prepares d2-d4, but in the Spanish
although the presence of opposite-coloured positions that arise the presence of the queen
bishops makes it rather drawish. on e2 gives Black easy equality.
C2) 5.\We2 ~d7 Instead, the immediate 8.d4 produces a

position that is quite balanced: 8 ... cxd4 9.cxd4
ltJxd4 10.ixd?t \Wxd7 11.ltJxd4 exd4 12.°1Wd3
(12.ltJd2 ie7 13.ltJb3 0-0 14.if4 [14.ltJxd4
mes+] 14 ... E&fe8 15.mdl id8+) 12 ... d5
13.ltJd2 dxe4 14.ltJxe4 ltJxe4 15.°1Wxe4t ie7
16.Ei'.dl Ei'.d8 17.ie3 f5 18.°1We5 °1Wd5= This
massive simplification may not be to everyone's
liking, but it is a sound way of equalizing.
8.d3 This quite move is an admission that

White is not fighting an advantage, but on
the other hand it is a reliable way of playing,
adding emphasis to completing development
rather than fighting for dominion in the
centre: 8 ... ie7 9.h3 (after 9.ig5 0-0 10.ib3
I like this move, keeping our pawn structure
one simple way of maintaining level chances is
intact. White can respond with either
10 ... ltJh5=) 9 ... 0-0 10.ib3
C2I) 6.0-0 or C22) 6.d4.
C2I) 6.0-0 a6 7.~a4 e5!?
a b c d e f g h
1O... h6! Ruling out the possibility of ig5
forever. 1 l.ie3 2e8 12.ltJ bd2 if8 13.Ei'.fel =
Black has organized himself well. In
Kr. Georgiev - Adamski, Warsaw 1983, the
a b c d e f g h
players decided to split the point in this equal
I don't think there is any need to play ... b5 position.
immediately, since it gives White a target for
a2-a4 later on. We have reached a crossroads, 8 ... ~e7 9.d4
bur I have the impression that Black will have After the slow 9.h3 0-0 10.ic2 (10.d4?
an easv ride no matter what White chooses. ltJxd4+; 10.ib3 ltJa5 l l.ic2 °1Wc7 12.d3 h6+)
402
10 ... Wc7, the move d2-d4 does not have any 13 .. JWcS!!N
effect: An excellent multipurpose move, forcing
the white knight to develop on c3 rather than
8 a~~
G ~
_ ~- ~~1-~
,~/~ ////// d2 (meaning that Black will be able to force a
weakness on f3 according to circumstance later
7 -1~.t-l~~I on), and at the same time preparing to contest
6 I~~~
G ::J - »~ ~
## the c-file by means of ... §'.a7-c7.
5
r•~ r•~ -~~
~
3. •- -~~b
~- ~-:-~---~- ~-;:-~'_,:/_~_-_
~
4 • • b• • 13 ... ixf3 14.gxf.3 '1Wc8 was less accurate in
Escobar Forero - Menassa, Cartagena 1995.
A ~M ~ ~M"t1XXJ~NJ A ~
2 _of~~fcl'§f~o0
14.~c3
1 ~~~~M~
~
/,,,,,/ ,,,,,,'/ ~
/,,,,,/
Inferior is l 4.ib3?! ixf.3 l 5.gxf3 ctJh5!
a b c d e f g h
l 6.ig3 ig5! l 7.ctJc3 ctJf4 18.Wfl ctJxf3t
11.d4 cxd4 12.cxd4 exd4 13.'Llxd4 'Lixd4 19.~h 1 Wg4 20.ctJdS §'.d8, with a double-
14Jhd4 d5! 15.'Llc3! (15.e5? ib5!; 15.exd5 edged position where Black is by no means
§'.fe8+) 15 ... dxe4 16.'Llxe4 ib5 17.id3 We5 worse.
18.'Lixf6t ixf6 l 9.§'.e4 ixd3 20.§'.xe5 ixe2
2 l .§'.xe2= Massive liquidations have occurred, 14 ... 0-0 15.~h3 :§:a7! 16J~acl
leading to a dead-drawn ending. 16.ixe5 dxe5 l 7.h3 ixf.3 18.'1Mfxf3 ic5
19.§'.acl §'.c7= is simply equal.
9 ... b5 I0.~c2
10.dxe5 'Llxe5! l 1.'Llxe5 dxe5 12.ic2 c4 is
excellent for Black.
I0 ... cxd4 11.cxd4 ~g4 12.clxeS ~xeS

13.~f4
White seems to be on the verge of acquiring
a little something, but after the powerful
memory-marker that follows it proves to be
just an illusion:
20.:§:xc7 ~xf4 21.°1Wd2 ~h3t 22.@g2 °1Wxc7

23.@xh3 :§:c8=
C22) 6.d4 l 8.CtJd7 Wf5 19.CtJxfS Ei'.xf8 20.id2! Wxd5
B••
.i~~
7m,m..tm,m,
s /:.:i@ /;,,,;/. ;,,,,,~ ~~
/,,,,,Y,
2 l.ib4 Wxd4 22.ixd6 Wxd6=
It does seem like White will achieve his aim.
5.:.J.~
6/,. m'i)• • ~~m
4
~
.~
•
/,,,,/ ~
. ·.~%%
~.::N~A~. ~
~
8.id3
This can be met in two ways. In either case,
Black does not seem to face any problems:
8 ... ig4!?
8 ... e5 9.d5 CtJb4 10.ic4was the continuation
3
2
m ·r~ mtZJB .
ts~ mv~ts~
;:Q/0~ in Conquest - Grivas, Corfu 1991, and here
Black should play: 1O... Ei'.c8!N 11.0-0 Wc7!
12.4Ja3! (12.CtJbd2 4Jc2 13.Ei'.bl b5 14.ib3
1 ~~~~
a b c d
~
e f
mM g h
ie7+ leaves White in a bit of a tangle)
12 ... ie7 13.id2 4Jc2! 14.Ei'.acl 4Jxa3
15.bxa3 Wb8=
9.ie3
Basically White has to play this, otherwise
Rather provocative is 9.d5 CtJd4 (9 ... 4Je5
he will end up in a type of 'bad' Spanish where
10.CtJbd2 g6 l l.h3 4Jxd3t 12.Wxd3 id7!
the queen is not so functional on e2.
13.b3 ig7 l 4.ib2 0-0 15.0-0:t) 10.We3
(10.Wdl 4Jd7=) 10 ... ixf3 l l.gxf3 e5!
6 ... cxd4 7.cxd4 a6
12.dxe6 4Jxe6~ with a good game for Black,
Putting the question to the bishop is the way
who intends ... d5.
to embarrass White. Black has to act quickly,
otherwise White will castle and consolidate his
space advantage in the centre.
8.~xc6
This has been tried by Judit Polgar and is a
logical reaction, as every bishop retreat has its
defects.
8.ia4 d5!
The bishop on a4 falls prey to tactics that
secure at least an even game for Black: a b c d e f g h
9.e5!?N 9 ... CtJb4 10.4Jc3 4Jxd3t l l .Wxd3 ixf3
9.exd5 Wast 10.tt:k3 CtJxd5 11.id2 CtJxc3
12.gxf3 g6
12.ixc6 ixc6 13.bxc3 e6 14.c4 ib4 15.d5 As in Thorsteinsdottir - T. Gara, Istanbul
ixd2t 16.CtJxd2 id7+ and Black was (ol) 2012. One possible continuation is:
slightly better in Cicak - Babula, Czech
13.0-0-0N ig7 l 4.e5 CtJh5 l 5.f4 Wd7
Republic 2001.
16. ~ b 1 0-0 00
9 ... 4Je4 10.0-0 4Jxe5 l l.4Jxe5 ixa4 12.4Jc3
4Jxc3 l 3.bxc3 e6 14.:Sfe 1 8 ... ~xc6 9.~c3!
White has certain compensation for the This move is the most logical, preventing
material, but the best he can hope for is a draw. ...ib5 ideas.
l 4 ... Wf6 l 5.c4 id6 16.Ei'.b 1! b5!? l 7.cxd5 0-0
404
9.d5 9 ... dS!

This was Polgar's choice, but I think that the I hate giving away space for no particular
following line represents a good response: reason, and I think that the text move is
9 ... ib5! something we can afford, as we are not too
I prefer this to 9 ... ic6, as played in J. Polgar far behind in development. As we shall see, it
- Tiviakov, Ohrid 2001. should lead to a balanced game.
1o.®e3!?
The alternative 1O.®c2 gcS!N (it is strange 10.eS
that all Black players have preferred to refrain 1O.exd5!?
from this natural move in favour of 10 ... ®c8) We should not be afraid of this one:
l l.ctJc3 g6 12.ltJd4 ig7 13.ctJdxbS axb5 1O... ixd5! l l.ig5 e6 12.Jixf6 gxf6
14.®e2 ®a5 15.0-0 b4 16.ctJb5 0-0+ is Black's control over d5 cannot be challenged.
better for Black, if only slightly. 13.0-0 ib4!?
13 ... ie7= as played in Hasangatin -
Hennigan, Prague 2004, is also reasonable.
14.ctJxdS ®xd5 15.gfd 1 gc8 16.a3 id6
l 7.ct::id2 f5 18.b3!N
Intending to activate the knight by l:tJc4.
18.gacl? gxcl 19.gxcl ®xd4! 20.ct::if3
®f6 21.®d3? ®xb2! 22.gdl ie7 23.®d7t
ciif8+ Black was clearly better with his two
extra pawns and went on to win easily in
Hasangatin - Movsesian, Moscow 2004.
a b c d e f g h
10 ... aS! l l.ctJc3 ia6 12.a4 g6 13.ctJb5
13.ctJd4 ig7 14.ct::idb5 0-0 15.0-0 gc8 16.Eid 1
ct::id7 17.®e2 ctJc5 18.~c2 ~d7 is also slightly
better for Black according to the engines.
13 ... ig7 14.0-0 0-0 IS.gel gc8+
Black's position was slightly for preference in
Makropoulou - Hagarova, Calvia (ol) 2004.
a b c d e f g h
18 ... b5 19.a4! gg8! 20.g3 gg4! 2 l .axb5 axb5~

Black is fine, and this represented White's
only chance of maintaining equality.
10.ctJe5 A natural reply, not only because

White hunts our bishop, but mostly because
he wants to weaken our pawn formation.
10 ... 4Jxe4 l l.4Jxe4 dxe4 12.4Jxc6 bxc6
13.®xe4 ®d5 14.®xd5 cxd5 15.if4
a b c d e f g h
Black went on to win, in Mirkovic - Vujacic,

Belgrade 1980.
a b c d e f g h
l 5 ... g6! An important move: by developing

his bishop on g7, Black will gain an important a b c d e f g h
tempo in order to connect his rooks and ensure
equality. 16.®e2 ig7 l 7.®d3 ®d7= The 13 ... ig7
game is balanced. Although there is still play 13 ... ctJxd?! 14.bxd ib5 l 5.Wc2 ixfl
left, a draw is once more the likely result here. 16.CtJxg6 ixg2 l 7.ct:Jxh8 ie4 l 8.\We2 Wc7
19.Whst ®d8 20.f3 Wxc3 2 l.fxe4= only
10 ... 'lle4 1 l.e6 f6! leads to a draw.
Of course Black does not take on e6, bur 13 ... ~d6 14.:§:el! ig7 15.f3 4Jxc3 16.bxd
keeps this pawn as a target for the future. ia4 17.:§:b 1 b5 l 8.Wd3 f5 I 9.g3 0-0 20.if4
~a3 21.Wd2 :§:ac8 22.:§:bcl :§:c6 23.ie5
ixe5 24.:§:xe5 b4 25.~g5 f4 26.:§:fl~ gives
White strong counterplay.
14.:§:el!?
14.ct:JfS 0-0 15.ct:Jh6t ixh6 16.ixh6 4Jxc3
l 7.bxc3 ibS+
14 ... 0-0+
Black has the more pleasant position.
12 ... 'llxc3 13.bxc3 .ihS 14.'\Mfe3 aS
a b c d e f g h
12.'lld2!!
The knight on e4 must be challenged, as it is
Black's strongest piece.
12.ct:Jh4?! g6 13.0-0!N
White has to play this.
After 13.a4?! ~d6 14.f.3 ~g5 15.0-0 ~xe6+
the precious e6 soldier \~as a ba-oner' and
a b c d e f g h
ISJi~bl!
After 15.a4 ia6 16.f4 g6 17.c;tif2 Ek8
l 8.ia3 :§c6+ Black has a plan to attack the
e6-pawn by ... b6 and ... icS.
15 ... ~a6 16.~a3N

This looks more challenging than l 6.f4, as
played in Zappa Mexico - IvanHoe, engine
game 2012.
16 .. Jks
a b c d e f g h
19 ... ~xfl 20.Cllxfl ~c6 21.~xb7 'Wes
22.'Wb3 'Wxe6 23.'lle3 @f7 24.'WxdS f5=
With a likely draw. It may be disappointing
that a draw arises from a position that appeared
promising for Black, but ifWhite doesn't know
this analysis it is quite difficult to find the best
moves on the board.
Conclusion
This chapter saw us begin our coverage of the

a b c d e f g h Rossolimo Variation, where I have decided to
17.c4!! g6! recommend the Universal System for the basis
l 7 ... dxc4 l 8.4Je4t looks dangerous for of our repertoire. Many of the lines in this
Black. chapter have a Spanish feel to them, and some
subtle manoeuvring is often required to reach
18.0-0 ~g7 19.cS!? our optimum piece configuration. Although
l 9.cxd5 1Mfxd5 20.:§fcl b5 2 Uk5 :§xc5 equality is often the verdict here, my analysis
22.ixc5 0-0~ should give the readers plenty ideas to catch
out a poorly prepared opponent.
2.~f3 ~c6
a b c d e f g h
Rossolimo - 4.d4
Variation Index
l.e4 c5 2.ctJf3 ctJc6 3.~b5 d6 4.d4 cxd4 5JMfxd4
5 ... ~d7 6.~xc6 ~xc6
A) 7.c4 f5!? 409
Al) 8.ctJc3 409
A2) 8.exf5 Wf a5t 411
A21) 9.ctJbd2 412
A22) 9.ctJc3 Wfxf5 I0.ctJd5 e5! 413
A221) 11.Wfdl 414
A222) I l.Wf e3 415
B) 7.ctJc3 ctJf6 8.~g5 e6 417
Bl) 9.Wfd3 417
B2) 9.0-0-0 ~e7 418
B21) I0.Wf d3!? Wfa5!? 418
B211) 1 l.~d2 418
B212) 11.~h4 419
B213) 11.i>bl 0-0 12.h4 h6 13.~d2 Wfa6! 420
B2131) 14.Wfxa6 421
B2132) 14.ctJd4 423
B214) 11.h4 424
B22) IOJ~hel 0-0 425
B221) l 1.e5 426
B222) I 1.Wfd2 427
B223) 11.i>bl h6 12.~h4! Wf a5! 13.Wfd2 Wfh5!
I 4.h3! El:fd8! I 5.g4! Wt c5 429
B2231) 16.g5?! 431
B2232) 16.ctJd4! 433
408
1.e4 c5 2.ltH3 ctJc6 3.~b5 d6 4.d4 5.ctixd4 Jid7 6.c4!?

This leads to a position that can also be The only move to have some meaning.
reached via l .e4 c5 2.ctif3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 6.0-0?! ctif6 7.0Jc3 (7.f3?! e5 8.ixc6 bxc6
4.'\Wxd4!? ctlc6 5.ib5. When we were beginners 9.ctib3 ile6+) 7 ... g6! is already at least equal
we were taught that moving the queen during for Black.
the early stages of the struggle can easily prove 6 ... ctif6 7.ctic3 e6
pointless or faulty, but that is not always the I consider this to be the most solid set-up.
case as chess is full of exceptions. In any case, 8.0-0 ie7 9.ie3 0-0 I0.~e2 '1Wc7 11.gacl
White can get away more often with early a6 l 2.0Jxc6
queen sorties, especially if there is some sort l 2.ixc6 bxc6 l 3.c5 d5 l 4.ig5 e5 l 5.ctJf3
of strategic justification behind them. I think d4 l 6.0Ja4 ie6 00 is not better for White.
there is one such here: White will capture with
the queen on d4 and quickly develop on the
queenside, in order to castle long and obtain
a double-edged position with opposite-castled
kings.
4... cxd4 5.l.Wxd4

The logical follow-up.
5.ixc6t bxc6 6.'\Wxd4 '1Wb6!? 7.c4 (Probably

better was 7.0-0 '1Wxd4 8.ctixd4 ib7~ with
a b c d e f g h
a double-edged position, but I like Black's
prospects in view of his bishop pair and central 12 ... bxc6!?
pawn preponderance.) 7 ... ctif6 8.ctic3 12 ... ixc6 13.ixc6 '1Wxc6 14.f3= is also
playable of course.
l 3.ia4 c5! 14.ic2
After I 4.ixd7 ctixd7 I 5.f4 a good way to
obtain counterplay is 15 ... ctJbS! l6.gf3 4Jc6
17.gh3 g6 l 8.®f2 f5!? l 9.exf5 gxf5 00 , when
Black's control over d4 and the open f-file
gives him sufficient compensation for the
weak e6-pawn.
14 ... ic6
Black didn't have any problems in
A. Smirnov - Chu Wei Chao, Albena 2014.
a b c d e f g h In the game White blundered with:
8 ... g6! 9.0-0 ig7 IO.gel 0-0 l 1.h3 ie6!? 15.ig5?!
(1 I...ctid7+) 12.e5 dxe5 13.'\Wh4 gfd8 15.gcdlN ctid7 I6.f4 gad8 17.'1Wd3 g6
14.b3 ctih5t Black was better in Gutman - 18.icl '1Wb7= would have been better, with
Wippermann, Boeblingen 1999, and went on approximate equality.
to win. l 5 ... h6 l 6.ih4?
Overlooking the following nice tactic:
Chapter 23 - Rossolimo - 4.d4 409
8 ~ 7 ... fS!?
Seeking to disrupt White's plan of
consolidating a central space advantage, while
;;~ //
at the same time opening up the position for
5 the bishops. We will consider Al) 8.'llc3 and
4 A2) 8.exfS, when I think that the following
3 analysis convincingly demonstrates that Black
is at least equal.
2
Al) 8.'llc3 fxe4 9.'llgS!

a b c d e f g h
l 6 ... CLlxe4! l 7.ixe7 CLixd l 8.~d3 CLie2t!! 9. CLl xe4 CLl f6 10. CLl c3 (10. CLl xf6 t? ! gxf6+ is of
l 9.~xe2 course better for Black, as the white king will
19. <ii h 1? ixg2 t ! is the main point of Black's be unsafe on the kingside and the pressure
combination, winning the queen. along the g-file already seems difficult for
19 ... ~xe7+ White to handle.) 1O... ixB l l .gxf3
The extra pawn eventually proved decisive.
s...id7 6.ixc6 ixc6
a b c d e f g h
l l...g6! l 2.ie3 ig7 13.0-0-0 ~as 14.<iib 1

~f5t 15.\Wd3 Black has the slightly better
ending after l 5 ... ~xd3t l 6Jhd3 ac8+.
We have reached the tabiya for this variation:

Black has two bishops and no weaknesses at all,
so he should be fine. White has a basic choice of
plans: the first with A) 7.c4 involves a Maroczy
set-up, and the second with B) 7.l2:k3 begins
the aforementioned idea of quick queenside
development followed by long castling.
A) 7.c4
Black can meet this move m challenging

fashion:
410
9 ... eS 10J;Ve3 'llf6 11.0-0 19 ... bxc6 20.~el ~d7 21.gxe4 a5+
l l.l't'lgxe4? l't'lxe4 l 2.l't'lxe4 ~h4-+ is a well- Black seems to have the upper hand in the
known opening trap that first occurred 111 ending in view of his extra space and active
Bruzon - A. Rodriguez, Cuba 1997. king.
11 ... fie7 Let us now return to the prudent 12.l't'lgxe4:

White has a respectable posmon, but it
shouldn't worry us as the two bishops are a
powerful asset that outweighs the weakness
of the d6-pawn. It seems that White's most
prudent way of continuing is to get his pawn
back at once:
12.'llgxe4
Delaying the capture on e4 can only leave
White worse:
l 2.b4?! is rightly dismissed by Tiger Hillarp

Persson due to 12 ... ~b6!.
a b c d e f g h
12.b3 d5!? 13.l't'le6! 12 ... 'llxe4 13.'llxe4 0-0 14.b3
13.cxdS l't'lxd5 14.l't'lxdS ~xd5 l 5.~h3
~d6!+ leaves White without a clear way of
proving full compensation for the pawn.
13 ... d4 14.~g3?!
l 4.l't'lxd8 dxe3 l 5.l't'lxc6 exf2t l 6.~xf2 bxc6
17.~e2 ~d7!? 18.ie3 ~e6 19Jfadl hS! is
excellent for Black, but is probably the lesser
evil from White's point of view.
a b c d e f g h
14 ... ~eS!?
The human and harmonious way of
developing. The queen will find a good home
on g6, and then Black can follow up by
a b c d e f g h doubling rooks on the f-file.
l 4 ... ~d7 15.l't'ldS! l't'lxd5 16.cxdS if6!
For those loving computer play and concrete
17.l't'lxg7t ~xg7 18.dxc6 ~xg3 19.hxg3
solutions, the ideal choice might be 14 ... dS.
19.cxb7? ~xg2H
After l 5.cxd5 Wxd5 16.f3 Wd4 l 7.Wxd4 A typical move for this type of structure,
exd4 l 8.~g5! ~a3 19.~cl != there seems to suggested by Tiger Hillarp Persson in Experts
be nothing better than a draw by repetition on the Anti-Sicilian. The g3-knight asks to be
though, and this fact was the main instigator kicked away.
for choosing 14 ... WeS!? as my main line.
An erroneous way of treating the posmon
1s.i,a3 W/g6 16.f3 El:f4 17.gadl El:af8 was seen in Dzhumaev - Laxman, Chennai
1s)bg3 2004, which continued 18 ... b6 19.Wd3 Wf7
This looks unnatural. 20.Wb1 d5? 21.~xe7 Wxe7 22.cxd5 West
23J~f2 ~xd5 24.Wc2 gd4 25.ge 1± and White
18.Wd3! is a better way of playing, actually went on to win. With such a static pawn on e5
preparing ctJg3. In that case play remains Black does not have real chances to hold the
balanced, for example: l 8 ... h5 l 9.ctJc3 Wxd3 ending.
20Jhd3 e4
19.Wid3!
White should seek salvation in a queen trade,
which seems to lead to a tiny edge for Black.
19 ... W/xd3 20.El:xd3 h4 21.ctJe2 g4f6 22.ctJd

h3 23.ciJdS i,xdS 24.gxdS hxg2 25.@xg2=/:j:
A2) 8.exfS
8 ... WiaSt
With this check Black recovers his pawn
and is on the way to a harmonious piece
configuration.
412
White can block the check with either After 15.b4 0-0 16.~b3 ~h8 17.ib2 the
All) 9.ltJ bd2 or A22) 9.ltJc3. white structure is a bit loose, and the bishop's
absence from kingside affairs might be felt
All) 9.ltJbd2 l.WxfS 10.0-0 eS 11.Ei'.el
later on. A possible line of play is:
l 1.1Mi'e3 ie7 will almost certainly transpose
after 12..l~fe 1, as the independent try l 2.c5
brings White nothing:
a b c d e f g h
17 ... b5 18.gacl gac8 l 9.h3 IM!'b6 20.Ek2

(20.cxb5? t2lg4!+) 20 ... t2lh5 21.c5! dxc5
a b c d e f g h 22.bxc5 ihc5 23.t2le4 Ei'.xc2 24.IM!'xc2 IM!'b8
25.Ei'.dl ctJf6 26.4Jg5 1Mi'c8 27.1Mi'b3 1Mi'c4
12 ... 0-0-0! l 3.cxd6 ixd6 l 4.4Jc4 (l 4.IM!'xa7
28.ixe5 h6 29.4Je6 Ei'.c8= White has managed
4Je7~) l 4 ... ixf3 l 5.1Mi'xf3 1Mi'xf3 16.gxf3
to maintain equality by dynamic means.
ic7 17.ie3 c;t>bs 18.Ei'.fdl= Y2-Y2 Ni Hua -
Bluvshtein, Edmonton 2009.
A different method of configuring the white
forces is 15.1Mi'e2 0-0 16.4Jf3, but here
16 ... idS! looks quite strong, planning a
bishop transfer to b6. After l 7.b3, as played
in Zhang - Paragua, Ho Chi Minh City 2009,
it would have been best for Black to continue:
a b c d e f g h
11...fe7 12.l.We3 ltJf6 13.ltJd4! l.Wd7
14.ltJxc6 l.Wxc6
Black has an excellent game, for example: a b c d e f g h
l 7 ... a6!?N Toying with the idea ... b5. l 8.a4

15.b3
(l 8.ia3 ia5!t± is excellent for Black) l 8 ... ib6
It looks natural to defend the c4-pawn, so as
l 9.ie3 Ei'.ae8 20.ixb6 IMi'xbGt± The weakness
to free the d2-knight for action.
of b3 is already felt and Black is by no means 9.. JMfxfS 10.ctJdS

worse. This is the idea: White blocks the
c6-bishop with gain of time, as a check on c7
15 ... 0-0 16.ctJe4 bS! is threatened.
A thematic move, trying to soften White's
control over dS.
17.cxbS
17.ctJxf6t ixf6 18.cxbS \WxbS 19.ib2 was
Zupe - Wertjanz, Graz 2009, and Black is at
least equal after 19 ... id8!N.
17.. JWxbS 18..ib2 ltJdS!? 19.'I.Wd2 ltJf4!
a b c d e f g h
10 ... eS!
The best retort.
Accepting the pawn by 1O... ixdS?! 11.cxdS

ctJf6 12.\Wa4t ciif7 leads to a strong initiative
for White and is not recommended. 13.0-0
Wxd5
a b c d e f g h
20.El:adl !N
20.ctJxdG?! \Wd3! 2 l .ctJe4 \Wxd2 22.ctJxd2
ctJd3+ was already bad for White in Kottke -
Lindemann, Germany 2004. 5
4
20 ...'I.Wb7 21.f3 El:ad8= 3
The game is more or less balanced, and the
2
computer gives the following line:
22.'I.We3 ctJdS 23.'I.Wd2 ltJf4 24.'I.We3 ctJdS a b c d e f g h

With a draw by repetition. 14.id!N (But not 14.:i=fdl bS! 15.E&xdS
bxa4 16.E&aS eS 1nha4 ie7= when Black
A22) 9.ctJc3 was already doing fine in J. Garcia - Marcin
Gonzalez, Lleida 1991) 14 ... aG 15.E&fdl \WbS
White has no chance of an advantage if he fails 16.\Wc2 ~g8 17.E&ac 1± Black is tragically
to control dS. behind in development and, with both his king
and queen exposed, cannot hope to survive.
414
After 10 ... eS! White is at a crossroads, 2004, bur I could not resist including the
facing a dilemma of where to put his queen: following variation, where White has to
A22I) 11.~dl or A222) 1I.~e3. play energetically in order to secure the
draw:
A22I) 11.~dl
8 l&.i:
1&i
6
a b c d e f g h
17.ctheS!!
17.~b3?! ic4 18.°1Wxb7 gf7! 19.ie3 if8
20.°1Wb6 ixd5 21.'LlgS gf6~ gives Black
tremendous attacking chances for a mere
The 'human' preference can be answered in
pawn.
a simple manner:
17 ... dxeS 18.d6 ids 19.°IWdSt °\Wf7 20.°IWxbS
b6! 2U~xe5!
11 .. Jks
2 l .ixb6? gb8+
Black is ready to finish his kingside
21.d7!? ga8 22.°1Wa4 b5 23.°1Wa3 ib6
development and slowly gain the upper hand,
24.°\Wxf8t ~xf8 25.ixb6 °1Wxd7 26.gxeS
due to his bishop pair and powerful light-
gxa2 27.gae 1 h6=
square control in the centre. Let us witness
21 ... gaS 22.ge7! ixe7 23.dxe7 °1Wxe7 24.ixb6
White's efforts to avert such a turn of events:
°1We6 25.id4 gxa2=
12.0-0
I2 .. .CtJf6
I guess that almost everyone would withdraw
Again White has a decision to make:
his king to safety first.
13.~el
l 2.ie3!?
Planning l2id4, but it's not clear the rook
Black can ignore the attack on his a7-pawn:
belongs on the e-file.
12 ... l2if6!
Focusing on central control.
Instead, l 3.ie3 transposes to the note on
13.0-0!
l 2.ie3!? above.
White should avoid l 3.ixa7? l2ixd5 14.cxdS
~e4t 15.ie3 ~xd5+.
13.igS
13 ... 'LlxdS! 14.cxdS ib5 15.ge 1 ie7! l 6.ixa7
I couldn't find an advantage for Black after
0-0N
this interesting try.
16 .. J::k2 was also excellent for Black
13 ... ~e7
in Wicklund Hansen - Schmidt, corr.
14 ... ~e7!
14 ... ®c2? l 5.®d4!±
a b c d e f g h
14.®b3!N
It is only this strong move that leads to equal
chances. White would instead be worse after:
14.Ct'lxe7?! c;tixe7 15.ixf6t gxf6 16.ltJd2
'.si;hg8 l 7.f3 ® d3 t Black intends to double a b c d e f g h
rooks on the g-file, and the c6-bishop is 15.~a4t!?N
powerfully positioned. Inferior is l 5.®b3 b6 l 6.'.si;e2, as played in
Or 14.ixf6?! ixf6 l 5.®d2 0-0 16.'.si;adl Belikov - Dvoiris, USSR 1988, in view of
Levacic - Zufic, Medulin 2002, when Black 16 ... tt'ld7!+.
should play 16 ... id8!N 17.b3 ®g6 18.ltJel
gf7t. 15 ... ~d7 16.~h3 h6 17.~e3 a6 18Jfacl
14 ... ixdS ~xcl 19.~xcl ~d8!=
This is the easy way to equality. The chances are balanced, as White's
For those seeking to mix things up, l 4 ... id8!? weakness on dS outweighs any other small
l 5.ixf6 gxf6 looks worth a try. Here is a advantage he might have. Black will castle and
sample line worked out with the help of a follow up with ... ®f7, and it is hard see the first
computer: 16.'.si;fdl 0-0 17.cS! c;tih8 18.cxd6 player coming up with anything constructive
'.si;g8 19.'.si;acl ®e6 20.4Je3 ®d7 2 l.4Jh4 to counter this.
ib6 22.®d3 '.si;gS 23.g3 '.si;cg8 24.'.si;xc6!
®xc6 25.4Jhf5 e4 26.®e2 ®d7 27.4Je7 '.§;d8 A222) 11.~e3
28.4Jc4 ®e6 29.b4 e3! 30.fxd '.§;d7~
15.cxdS 0-0 16.®xb7 e4 l 7.4Jd4 °IWxgS
18.®xe7 ®xdS l 9.®e6t ®xe6 20.tt'lxe6 gfe8
2 l.tt'id4 '.si;eS 22.'.si;acl '.si;ec5=
With an approximately balanced ending.
13 ... ~xdS 14.cxdS

l 4.tt'ld4?! ®hS 15.~xhSt tt'lxhS 16.cxdS
,:±d7 17.tDbS fe7 18.tt'lxa7 Sc5 l 9.ie3 gxdS
20.a4 tt'if6 21.Sac 1 gd3+ was slightly better
for Black in Damjanovic - Groszpeter, Prague
1986, as his central pawns and better king
outweigh White's queenside pawn majority.
416
This looks slightly awkward, but it is 25.t~xf7t ~xf7 26.g3

the computer preference, even if only by White does have a few practical chances, but
a tiny margin. The idea is to keep e4 under I nevertheless tend to describe his advantage as
surveillance and to keep the a8-rook tied to rather nominal.
the defence of the a7-pawn. There is also the
prospect of an immediate ct:Jd4. 14JWb3 e4 15.ctJgS 0-0 16.ctJe6 Ei:f7
17.'Wxb7 'WxdS 18.'WxdS ctJxdS
11...~xdS 12.cxdS ctJf6 13.0-0 Black has comfortably equalized, and this
White cannot protect his pawn, so he was verified in a correspondence game.
concentrates on fast development.
13 ... ~e7!
I like this developing move a bit more than
the obvious reaction examined just below.
13 ... ®e4!?
The problem is that exchanging queens is
not obligatory for White.
14.®a3! ®xd5 15.Ei'.el
15.~gS ~e7 16.Ei'.adl ®e6 17.Ei'.fel 0-0
l 8.ltJd4 ®f7 19.ltJfS ltJdS 20.~xe7 4Jxe7
21.ltJxe7t ®xe7 22.Ei'.xd6 Ei'.ad8 23.®b3t
®f7 24.Ei'.xdS Ei'.xd8= should be okay for
Black. 19.El:el ~h4 20.g3 ~f6 21.El:xe4 ~e7 22.f3
l 5 ... ~e7 16.~gS El:ae8 23.ctJgS El:c8 24.El:xe7 C!Jxe7 25.ctJe4
~d4t 26.<;t,fl ct:JfS
26 ... Ei'.c2 27.~f4=
36.lbxh7 :§:f2t 37.~el :§:xf3 38.lbgS ~e3t 11 ... ~hS!?

V2-V2 Sanchez Roempler - J. Wells, corr. This has rarely been played, bur I cannot
2003. see anything wrong with it. Long castling is
prevented and Black will try to play ... d5.
B) 7.CLJc3 CLJf6 8.~gS e6
12.f3
White players have tried the immediate l 2.f4 gc8
Bl) 9JWd3, bur B2) 9.0-0-0 is most usual This looks excellent for Black, with the idea
and probably best. being:
13.0-0 ~c5! 14.~hl id7 15.gael
Black gets an ideal position after: l 5.Cllf3
0-0 16.ie3 (16.e5 ctid5 l 7.ctixd5 iWxd5
7.,R1.•,•
•• ,.,R
18.iWxd5 exd5+) 16 ... iWc7 l 7.id4 ic6+
~·~ ~~
8 ~· •
:••• "•" ~-R

/,,,,,/ /,_,,,~ /,,,,,Y,
8
7
6
·A·ffl·
~~
f~i·.t~i~i
~
~~. . . ~,~ ~
~
~ ~, ~
/ / //.
~. . . • •
3• ~v•~•
//UU~
5 •.
4 R R8R 4 ~
~~ filb~
L .. /,
» ....... ~
~
~ ~ ~ 3 ~
~w ~~.~~
..: ~ § ~. . ~
~
•M
//,,,,,
2 8W/]8R W!]8W!] 2b~b~ -b~

rl "• ~ "• "
t~ • ~"'"'! 1••
a b c d
~~:S:-@
e f g h
a b c d e f g h
15 ... 0-0 16.e5
Preparing to bring the knight quickly to d4
16.ftif3 mds+
and free the way for the f-pawn, harmonizing
16 ... dxe5 17.fxe5 ctid5 18.ctixd5
the white position. I would like to suggest a
18.ctie4 iWc4!
little known idea to meet this:
l 8 ... iWxd5 l 9.ctif5!
19.ic3 f5!?+
l 9 ... ic5 20.iWxd5 exd5
Reaching an ending that is at least balanced
for us.
Another way to try to stop ... d5 is 12.if4, but

then 12 ... 0-0 (l 2 ... d5 is also okay, as the line
l 3.e5 ctid7 l 4.iWg3 0-0 15.0-0 Wf g6= indicates)
13.0-0 gfd8 leaves White without a clear plan.
The computer gives l 4.ctixc6 bxc6 15.gae 1 d5
16.exd5, bur it is hard to imagine Black being
worse after 16 ... ctixd5 l 7.iDxd5 Wfxd5=.
Finally, 12.0-0 ctig4!N~ produces a position

where Black enjoys excellent counterplay.
418 2. 'Li f3 'Li c6
12 ... 0-0
12 ... d5N= w as a1sop eneccly
f' possibl e.
13.0-0-0
\Vi d5'• 14.exd5
e have been fi 11 .
~artin Gonzalez, ~;:img Draghici Flutor -
I e the natural: onia 2013' and now I
B211) 11.§ld2
The
Bl temp orary weakness of h
ack to seize the init1' . t e a2-pawn allows
g h ative:
l 1...~5! 12.exdS!
This is the onl
hope of eq ua 1·ny. y move to give Wh'1te any
B2) 9.0-0-0 Jle7
12.Ct'lxdS;i;i
..a1·2s-+.
clearly a h orrible blund er m
Black has two b'ishops and h of 12 ... ®x . view
.
h'l
wl I e White has a slight lad ealthy structure
.n a p osmon
· · with o . ea in d eve1opmenr '
il 3.'1Jxc6 bxc6 14 .~
sides will try to ppos1te-cascled
k k'mgs b oth. 12. '1J e5 left Black
B co4n 1/1!top, after 12 ···d xe 4
whi ch ' m
· my view maseee use of its
· advantages 5
n Carapinha - M engual Bc l. l 5.®xc5 1 xc 5= +
each other. B21) 10' ® m to delicately bal ' o o, corr. 2010
B22) .adJ':> h b ance
10..E~hel is th e mam
. .. move.
as een tried ' b ut
hFinally, 12 .eS is
e fails to not·
. . ·
ice: given b y Kasimdzhan ov, b ur
B21) 10.W/d3!?
Again with the 'd

knight, but th' I. ea of freeing d4 fi h
f2-f4-f5 t . ts ttme the plan is ii'id".; t e
h ' rymg to provok Bl . and
t e strategicall y un d es1rable
. e ...ack
e5. mto pl aymg
.
10... WlaS!?
fiorThe · pinning dow
matic,
the time b emg.
. n the knight on f3
l 2 ... ~g4!N I don't see how White can equalize. In Polgar - Yudasin, Pamplona 1990, Black
13.~d4! (13J~hfl ~b6 14.ie3 ~xe3 l 5.~xe3 was rewarded with a full point for choosing
~xe3t 16.fxe3 ids+) 13 ... ~b4! 14.iel the riskier 12 ... gfcS, bur I doubt it is that
~xd4 15J:hd4 ~h6 16.4Je2 gcS 17.@b 1 good. After 13.f4 b5 14.e5 dxe5 15.fxe5 ~d5
ic5 18.gdl id7 19.~ed4 f6+ As soon as the 16.~xc6 gxc6 17.ixe7 ~xe7 Judie should
position starts opening up, the two bishops have taken the pawn with:
will be a powerful force in Black's favour.
s;i • • • • •
~
s AR R•R ~~ 7~ /,,,,,/, ~ ~
/,,,,,,,
,.~,.
/,,,,,/,
7•&R ~i-i
"Rf-~i."w.f ZR
6
~Pi~~•
::j~-ifl~-
~~- ~R" R~
6 z
5
~v~ ~
:~Rl~)
3~
~
2
1~
~
r:/t!l~• •~r~
~~
/,,,,
~M~ .M
/,,,/, ~ ~
~
~0iJ'c;;/'i,,,,,,~,;,0~0iJ,~~0iJ'~ a b c d e f g h
2 fjf~fjm r~fjr~
1 . , , %~,,i~/,,,,,/,~j{j 1S.~xb5!N ~c7 19.gd6! Leading to a race
~ ~ ~
/,,,,,/, where White has the upper hand: 19 ... gxd6
a b c d e f g h 20.exd6 ~xd6 21.gdl ~f4t 22.@bl ~g6
12 .. .'DxdS 13.@hl 23.~b7 ms 24.~xa7 ~xh2 25.~f2 h5 26.a4
h4 27.gd2!±
Inferior is 13.~xd5? ~xd5 14.~xd5 ixd5
15.ic3, as played in Matsenko - Naoum,
Thessaloniki 2009. The obvious 15 ... f6N+ 13.ig3 ~fd8 14.f4
leaves Black with a considerable endgame We have been following Qadimbayli -
Idrisov, Varna 2011, when best was:
advantage.
13 .. J~d8 14.'Dd4! Wfb6 15.'tJXc6 bxc6

16.ie3! l2Jxe3 17.Wfxe3 Wfxe3 18.fxe3
White had almost equalized and eventually
held the draw in Sarcinelli - Nicolenco, corr.
2009.
B212) I I.ih4
This little known method of preparing ltJd4 is

Judit Polgar's, bur it is too artificial and allows
Black a good game.
11...0-0 12.l2Jd4 WfhS!

Again, I like this queen transfer as a method
of nipping White's attack in the bud.
420
1S ... ~e8 16Ji~hel Giving Black a valuable tempo to complete

Black has various possibilities, but he can his development.
force a drawish endgame if he so desires:
11...0-0 12.h4
16 ... dS 17 .es ltJ e4 A combination of ~bl with 12.id2 is
This mechanism is only good when there is actually not a bad thing, but after 12 ... °1Wc7!
already a white rook on e 1, preventing the first 13.'lld4 d5! 14.exd5 ixd5+ I still prefer Black,
player from playing ie 1. if only slightly.
12 ... h6
18.ctJxe4 dxe4 19.~xe4 ~cs
White now has a wide choice but, apparently,
19 ... ic6 20.°1We2 °1Wxe2 2Uhe2 ic5 22.c3
not a fully satisfactory plan:
gd7 23.iel h6= is also completely level as
White's extra pawn is useless.
13.~d2
It looks natural to place the bishop opposite
s Ri:~~1.R•R to the black queen, but this will be met with a
1¥1iR Ri¥li
:.-.-~d
fine strategic retort.
13.ixf6?! ixf6 14.'lld4 d5 15.exd5
ixd5 16.'llxd5 °1Wxd5 l 7.°1Wf3 °1Wc4t saw the
4~•'mii~~.
3~~--%~~
~ ~ ~
advantage rest with Black in Nakamura -
Karjakin, Cuernavaca 2004.
13.ie3?!
2/jfl[jR R[jfl
/nu,~
This looks unnatural.
• • /,,,,,Y,.
~@~:~~ ~
13 ... d5 14.'lld4 gac8
l 4 ... dxe4 l 5.'llxc6 bxc6 l 6.'llxe4 gfd8
.:i. ~~--
1
l 7.'llxf6t ixf6 18.°1Wc4+! is less clear.
a b c d e f g h
20.~f3 ~xf3 21.ctJxf3 ~c6~
7.,.
8
~,.
·.i.·i~
5~~~'•
Black's tremendous bishops offer him ample
4.
6 ~
B213) 11.@bl i~~ ~-~ ~
~% %
~8~ ~
28~8-a
.8.
3~~~wt~•··'
/~,
1-@·M· .M
,//,,,,,
b c d
,,,,,,;:,
e f
~
g h
15.e5 'llg4 16.f4 b5 17.igl b4 18.'llce2 id7
19.h5 f5!+
Black's game is the more pleasant. The idea
is to retreat the queen and follow up with a
push of the a-pawn, but it has to be carried
out with precision. For example:
14 ... :sr:acS (l 4 ... d5!? l 5.ixf6 ixf6 l 6.t2lxd5

® xd2 I 7. t2i xf6 t gxf6 I 8. 'tJ xd2 fxe4+ is
also possible) l 5.ctJd5 ®xd2 l 6.t2lxe7t ci?f8
17.t2lxd2 ci?xe7 18.ixf6t gxf6!+ With a better
ending.
After l 3.id2 there is a fine reply that Black
¥•••%.
players need to be acquainted with:
20.gh3 ~k4! 7.,.

s.iB B ~,-
20 ... ®c7 21.®a6! ®b6 22.®xb6 axb6
23.c3= is only equal.
21.t2lcl gfc8 22.t2lcb3 ®d8 23.t2ld2
23.cthf5 gxf4+
23 ... :sr:4c7 24.®a6 ®e8!
4L~.~.,.~~
6
s
% " . , . , , .
B~B" "~" B" "

3B mVBttJB
It is apparent that White is reduced to a
l'ffit'J~ ~~ i.
passive and preventive role, whereas Black can
try to improve his position in various ways.
13.icl ?! doesn't look impressive either; it fails

to harass the black queen, leaving the second
2
l•~•i•"•'
a
13 ... ~a6!
b c d e f g h
player with a free hand. After 13 ... :sr:fcs+, Allowing doubled pawns, but at the same
intending a push of the b-pawn, Black is time highlighting that White is weak on e4
simply better. and g4.
Finally, 13.gh3?! prevents the capture of Instead, 13 ... ®c7 is less good than it would
the g5-bishop, but is otherwise completely have been with the h-pawns standing on their
pointless. I think that Black should play: original squares. After l 4.ctJd4 d5 15.exd5
13 ... mds 14.®d2N (14.id2?! happened in .ixd5 16.t2lxd5 l2ixd5 17.g4!? White is ready
Fecke - Schiffer, Germany 2005, but I fail to to push g4-g5 and the position is not so clear
grasp the point after l 4 ... ®c7+) anymore.
The queen exchange B2131) 14.~xa6 is

slightly less common than B2132) 14.CL~d4.
B2131) 14.~xa6
This appears natural, but Black obtains easy

play.
14 ... bxa6 15.~hel eS!

This is a key move, fixing e4 as a target
~~*-
422
and preventing White from improving the

f3-knight.
16.~cl
7
6
~-~.i~JL :i .•
8 ~~~• Jt. ~;;
~@
., /fl(;::; & ~~;ic
~.• ?~
~it .• t~
In case of an immediate 16.'~Jh2, trying to
prevent the knight from settling on g4, Black
5~ .•. - ~
4 •• /j • •
has: 16 ... El'.adS 17.icl
~.. .ff'N
3 ~ ~·. ~A~
~.o~
2 fj!/fJAfj~
/.,/, %2 . .. ~fjm
~. /.,.
1 m@~M~~ m
a b c d e f g h
18 ... El'.xc3?! l 9.bxc3 d5 20.exd5 ctJxd5 The

exchange sacrifice was clearly not adequate in
view of 2 l .Ei:d3±.
17.ctJdS ~d8
l 7 ... ixd5 18.El'.xd5 ct:Jxf2 l 9.b3~ seems to
give White just enough for the pawn, as both
a6 and d6 are weak.
20 ... ~xh4 21.ctJc4 ~e7!

21...ixe4 22.El'.xd6 fxg2 23.El'.gl ie4
24.ixh6 ig6 25.fe3±
16 .. Jhc8 was played in Movsesian - Lagunow, 22.ctJxd6 gfd8 23.~cS gd7 24.:e:dJ :e:ad8
Germany 1996, but here 17.CtJh2!N ib7 l 8.f3 25.gedl=/:;:
gives White a decent position with some slight
chances to wrest the initiative:
7[~~,•ri~.
:iH H ~~•H
B2132) 14.ctJd4
s
~
:~.%~-%
White players started employing this in recent
~f% ~f% ~'%
years, but it is hard to believe that such a way
of playing can lead to any problems for Black.
14 ...'Wxd3 15.cxd3
The following move is unlikely to come as 4 H :HbH'I)~
3H ~bH H
a surprise:
!w1
i~ ~r~ fa
s
7
:iH H ~~•H
rtaH •a•
2
•~•,•:al
a b c d e f g h
H.t•a• •
5-:~J~·~
6
: ~~~"c0i~~~-~
~ ~
//,,,,,, ~.
,,,,,%
17 ... ~f6
17 .. .f5 18.f3 Cile5 19.ciic2 c5 20.CLie2 Cilc6
2 l.CLif4 CLid4 t 22.ciib 1 fxe4 23.dxe4 Ei:fb8
looks quite good for Black, but White held in
Rissanen - L. Hansen, corr. 2011.
~f!alJ~il 18.f3 ctJeS 19.@c2
a b
15 ... ctJg4!
c d e f
White's options are restricted, as his

g h
7•%.:.:.%."•"
s :iH H ~~•H
H Ha•
~~-c0i-~~
intended follow-up of f2-f3 and g2-g4 has 6 %
been prevented. 5 -~~/ "lif

16.ctJxc6 4
l 6J~dfl allowed Black to keep his bishop
pair by l 6 ... fd7!, and after the further 17J~h3 3H ~~~~-
b~@m HbH
Ei:fc8 18.f3 CLie5 19.f4 Cilg4 20.h5 if6 21.CLif.3
id8! 22.e5 f5!+ he was already better in
Strohhaeker - Borovikov, Deizisau 2010.
2
a a a:a:
a b c d e f g h
16.fe l allows Black to keep the bishop pair 19 ... cS!?N
too, but is more harmonious as it does not tie It seems to me that Black can ignore White's
a whole rook to the defence of the f2-pawn: kingside demonstration.
l 6 ... fd7 l 7.CLic2 f5 l 8.f3 CLif6 l 9.exf5 exf5=
I would describe the position as equal, because l 9 ... h5 20.CLie2 c5 21.fc3= allowed White to
White controls the d4-square with his pieces hold her own in A. Muzychuk - Romanko,
and it is not easy for Black to attack the slightly Dagomys 2010.
exposed h4-pawn.
20.g4 ctJc6 21.gS ~d4! 22.gxh6 ltJb4t
16 ... bxc6 17.:adfl 23.@hl ~fb8! 24.ctJe2 ctJxd3 25.h3 gxh6
424
26)Dxd4 cxd4 27.~xh6 ~h7 28.~d2 aS 14 ... ctJg4!

Black's strong centre and queenside prospects Black takes advantage of the fact he has
render the position favourable for him, even if neither castled nor played ... e5 to prevent
only slightly. White from stopping this by putting his
knight on h2.
B214) ll.h4 14 ... eS l 5.ct:Jh2!? is instead double-edged,
since, compared to positions we've already seen,
White has saved a tempo by missing out <;tib 1.
On the other hand Black has not yet castled
short, and 15 ... 0-0-0!?+± led to an interesting
battle in Kaminski - Renet, Yerevan (ol) 1996.
15.~e2
Practically forced.
An important point is that l 5.ct:Jd4? is simply

not possible, because after l 5 ... id7+ White is
hanging on h4 and f2.
15 ... 0-0
This allows White to untangle a bit, but has
nevertheless been Gelfand's choice.
15 ... eS?! is not so good, because after 16.iel!±

11...h6 12.~d2 'W a6! White intends ct:Jd2-c4 and is slightly better.
It's this move again, trading queens and
killing White's attacking potential. l 5 ... ib7!? is perfectly feasible, but after l 6.if4!
gdS!? (16 ... eS l 7.ig3± allows White the slight
12 ... eS 13.<;tibl Vlia6 14.Vlixa6 bxa6 should also edge he is aiming for) l 7.ig3 ct:Jf6! l 8.b3 0-0
be satisfactory for Black, as we already know. l 9.<;tib2 00 I am not sure whether Black has
achieved any significant improvement over
13.'Wxa6 bxa6 14.~hel Gelfand's play.
a b c d e f g h
16.ctJd4
l 6.if4 eS l 7.ig3 fS 18.exfS E&xfS 19.ltJdS
is an excellent position for Black after either
19 ... idS or 19 ... ifS!?~.
16 ... ~d7 I 7.f3 'LleS 18.~f4!?

It seems to me that this is the best move,
preparing to put d6 under siege.
18.hS?! gfc8 l 9.b3 E&c5 20.ie 1 (20.a4!?)

20 ... E&acS 21.ltJbl E&b8 22.if2 if6 23.ie3
E&bc8 24.E&ed2?! aS 25.c3 (25.a4 ixa4!)
25 ... E&5c7 26.4Jc2 ie7 27.c4 a4t a b c d e f g h
22.~h2 g4 23.f4 g3 24.~gl 'Llg6 25.~e3 f5
26.~d2 @h7!~
From a practical point of view I would prefer
the black pieces here, and I think that overall
we enjoy excellent chances in the 10.1Wd3 line.
B22) 10.El:hel
Black was better in Kaminski - Gelfand,

Polanica Zdroj 1997, after successfully
manoeuvring to achieve the ... a5-a4 thrust.
However, I am not sure White defended in the
best possible manner; he could have tried to
place his pieces and pawns in such a way that
... as would be stopped by a2-a4, fixing the
pawn as a weakness and avoiding an opening
up of the position. In the game Gelfand
managed to win in just a few more moves.
White basically needs to protect his e-pawn
18 ... ~xh4 19.'Llb3 ~bS 20.'LlxhS axbS as then he may move the queen to d2, freeing
21.'LlaS gS d4 for the f3-knighr. Once this is achieved he
An unclear position was reached in Kanai - will attempt to attack by pushing his kingside
Broniek, corr. 2009. Actually the game record pawns.
stops at this point with a '0-1' sign attached to
it, bur I find this hard to believe unless White 10 ... 0-0
lost on time. Black is pressed on d6, but the At this point White can play B221) 11.eS,
push of the g-pawn promises counterplay. B222) 11.~d2 and the most important
A continuation could be: continuation B223) 11.@bl.
426 2.ctJf3 ~c6
11.ixfG?! gives up the bishop for no obvious 11...dxeS 12.~xeS! (12.~h4?! ~c7 13.ctheS
compensation. 1 l...ixf6 l 2.Wxd6 ;;fd8 14.ctJg4 ~xg4 15.1xe7 2xdlt 16.ihdl
!tJh6!? 17.idG ~tY+ leaves Black with a
little bit of play, although the position should
objectively be a draw.)
8 .i
7 ' '
6 .i.
5
4
3
a b c d e f g h
l 2 ... ixc3 (12 ... WaS!? l 3.ctJd4 Wg5t l 4.f4
Wxg2 15.ctJxcG bxcG+ may be even more
a b c d e f g h
promising for Black) 13.Wxd8 ixb2t
14.c;t>xb2 8'.fxd8 15.ctJd4 ieS+ It is clear that 12. .. Wc7! 13.~c4! 8'.ad8 14.ctJxcG bxcG
White is struggling to hold the ending with a 15.8'.xdS 8'.xd8 16.8'.dl 8'.xdlt 17.ctJxdl=
broken structure and an inferior minor piece. In Povarov - Stone, corr. 2013, White had
nothing, but neither did Black. The game
B221) 11.eS eventually ended in a draw.
I2.Jhe7 W:fxe7 I3.~e4

This has been the main move in tournament
practice.
Alternatively, 13.ctJxdS ixd5 14.Wb4 8'.fd8
15.exdG WxdG 16.WxdG 8'.xdG+ is very slightly
better for Black.
13 ... dxeS 14.~xeS

White's powerfully centralized knights
should suffice to keep him within the drawing
zone, but the position still has some fight left.
a b c d e f g h I4 .. J:Hc8 15.@bl bS 16.WicS WixcS 17.~xcS

The only question after this timid move is b4! I8J:~d4 aS I9.~xc6?!
whether Black can play for a win in the ensuing l 9.f4!?N 00 would have been preferable.
positions, as equality seems to always be within
his grasp. I9 .. Jhc6 20.~d3 ~ac8 21.~e2
Black was pressing in Gullaksen - Molner,
11..)DdS!? Reykjavik 2014, but his next move let his
Trying to avoid giving White the option of advantage slip. Instead of 21.. .8'.c4?!= as played
too many exchanges. in the game, he should have chosen:
s BAR R•R uses the position of the bishop on g5 to gain

space and time in the centre, furthering his
7Hi%% •H Hi•i
~. / ./, own strategic aims.
6 RARiR R 12.iJ4
s w~ RlllR H Unfortunately for White the bishop has to
•. /~~··
/ .... / 3%% ~ /%"%
retreat to this unnatural square, allowing us to
4 -~~RH
/,/ /.,,J 3i%. ~ hit it once more.
3 • ~Jfi //';'\ H H
~f~~-~f~~f~
.·~
12.ih4? allows a typical tactical mini-operation:
2
•"°'H
~ii'&. H
~ g
•
a b c d e f g h
21...g6!N 2Vt~f4 CLJb6!:i:
White lacks a clear plan, and still has
difficulties to overcome in view of the cramped
position of his king. As they say, the side who
has more space should avoid exchanging pieces,
and nothing is truer in the present situation.
B222) I I.'l.Wd2
12 ... ~xe4 13.~xe4 (13.gxe4? ixh4 14.gxh4
ixf3-+) l 3 ... ixh4 l 4.'\Wxd6 '1Wxd6 l 5.gxd6
ie7 16.gd3 gfd8+ Black has a considerable
endgame advantage: he has two bishops
versus two knights, and the asymmetric pawn
structure favours them.
12 ... eS!
A principled follow-up, gaining space and
ruling out ~d4.
13.~g3
This is a serious and logical option, preparing

to bring the knight to d4 and then start an
attack. However, Black has an interesting
antidote.
11...h6!
Seemingly going against the rules, as the
move weakens the kingside where White
intends to attack, but this is a case where Black
428
I3 .. .cDd7! l 7 ... ixe4 l 8.Bxe4 ixf2 19.®xe5 ®b6 20.Ei:d6

I like this little-known idea, preventing Bc6 21.Ei'.g4 g6 22J~gxg6t fxg6 23.®e6t ~h8
White's intended ih4 and at the same time V2- 1/2 Safarian - Bodaan, corr. 2006.
furthering our own queenside aims. Although
it has not been played by top players, it may 14.@bl
actually be the best move. Starting a battle of nerves looks like the best
policy for White, as both the f3-knight and
There have been many games where Black the g3-bishop are standing inactive. The only
chose l 3 ... b5 or 13 .. .EkS, but both of these plan I can see for him is h2-h3 followed by
replies allow l 4.ih4, which has drawing Z2lh2-g4-e3, but to achieve this he needs to get
tendencies. One such example is: his king off the perilous cl-h6 diagonal.
13 ... Ei:c8!? 14.ih4!
Instead, White's decision not to play this Instead, the immediate l 4.t2ld5?! led to a clear
move immediately led to his demise in the advantage for Black after: l 4 ... ixd5 l 5.®xd5
following game: l 4.®d3?! l2ld7! l 5.l2ld5 ®c7 16.c3 (16.ih4 gfc8 17.c3 ifs+ is not a
ixd5 16.®xd5 Bc6 17.~bl ®c7 18.c3 Bc8 big improvement)
19.ih4? (19.t2id2 ig5+) 19 ... l2lb6 20.®d3
g5! 2 l .ig3 !2la4! 22.E&e2 Hasangatin -
Yakovich, Krasnodar 2002, and now most
effective was 22 ... Z2lxc3tN! 23.bxc3 Bxc3
24.®d2 g4! 25.Z2lel (25.®xh6 Bc2!-+)
25 ... ig5 26.®b2 ®c4!-+ leading to a
-:i~
hopeless situation for White.
s
7 ~1·~ & ~
~ JA%% ~AfJ
•1.m
~-*•
rt~ & ~1·~
~ ~
•8~ m
6
5 •• fl •
4
. •
3~
~. ~
~........ ~~~
~. .~ 14 ... bS! 15.\We2
2 A [~ A ~ w.;;~ A ff%
1
~/
~
/~ti~~t
o ro::: o
~§1
;:,j ~,,,j
ro::: o ro:::
%~/
~
.. %
A critical moment.
a b c d e f g h
14 ... !2lxe4! 15.Z2lxe4 ixh4 16.®xd6 ®a5!?
Clearly drawish is 16 ... ixe4 l 7.Bxe4 ®xd6
18.Ei:xd6 ixf2 19.Bxe5 Ei:fd8=.
l 7.a3!
l 7.l2lxh4? allowed Black to win quickly
by: 11 ... mds! l 8.l2lf6t gxf6 l 9.®xf6??
(l 9.®a3+ was forced) 19 ... Bxdlt 20.~xdl
(20.Ei:xdl ie4-+) 20 ... Ei:dSt 21.~e2 ®d2t
0-1 Cruz Ravina - Babula, Burguillos 2008.
15 ... aS! instead keeps White's pieces cramped while

Black's idea is to keep the g3-bishop our of increasing the pressure in the centre and on
play for as long as possible. the queenside. I believe that the second player
has the better prospects here, so l l .®d2, albeit
Instead, l 5 ... b4?! 16.CLldS ixdS 17.EhdS '·Jfc- a serious move, gives us interesting fighting
allowed White to breathe by l 8.ih4!~. and opportunities.
the position was suddenly unclear in Crur -
Romieux, France 2008. The main poinr here is B223) 11.@bl
that Black has not advanced his pawns enough
on the queenside, and this fact depriws him
of serious attacking chances. The rexr aims at
pushing the pawns as much as possible before
allowing ih4.
16.ct:JdS
I don't see anything else for \Xnire.
l 6.C2lxb5?! is dangerous in view of 16 ... ixbS

17.®xbS ®c7-t. The white king looks rather
exposed by the open b- and c-files.
16.h3 b4 I7.C2ld5 ixdS 18.;;xdS ®c7 19.ih4

is also ineffective in view of 19 ... gS 20.ig3 It seems a wise precaution to bring the king
~fc8-t, when Black's pawn storm looks much to b I before doing anything else, protecting
faster than any counterplay White may have rhe weak a2-pawn.
on the kingside.
11...h6
16 ... ct:JcS!i Again I like this apparently provocative
move, forcing White to declare his intentions
regarding the future of his bishop. I believe
that the weakening of our kingside is not so
important and is something we can live with.
12.~h4!
This is the most popular response,
maintaining the pressure on the h4-d8
diagonal.
Alternatively, 12.ixf6?! ixf6 13.®xd6 is

pointless as usual, and can only lead White
into trouble:
As played in Lingen - Morein, email

2012. Black does nor have ro rake on dS, but
430 2. ltJ f3 ltJ c6
I3.1Wd2
I believe this is the most logical reply,
creating the threat of 'Lld5 while freeing d4 for
the f3-knight.
The hyper-aggressive l 3.g4 was employed

by Naiditsch against Areshchenko, but the
Ukrainian GM wasn't impressed and simply
captured the pawn. After 13 ... gS! 14.ig3
4Jxg4 l 5.®d2 it seems to me that the most
a b c d e f g h accurate continuation available to Black was:
13 ... ®b6! 14.®d2 8ad8! l 5.®e3 ixc3
16.®xb6 8xdl t l 7.8xdl axb6 l 8.bxc3 ixe4+
Black has a superior ending, with the better
pawn structure and stronger minor piece.
12.icl ?! is also rather passive, allowing us a

free hand on the queenside. We should proceed
as follows: 12 ... bS! 13.eS dxe5 14.®xeS
~ ~ %%
~%
8 .E3. ;w,;;;~
/;/\\UJ;'.
/,?e< ,,/, ~.i%*~ife
/
/ ,/ //~~'.
7 r~ ~. JG:::
r~ wff & 1~
~.•r•~ a b c d e f g h
~ A. ~ . & i~.".. ;;.ii,
i.:~1
%%~.JL~-~
6 15 ... ifG! (Naiditsch - Areshchenko, Kiev
%% ~%
~. ~
/'e ,,
5~1~ [rapid] 2013, continued l 5 ... ®c5 00 , which is

4 ~%%0~%~ rather unnecessary) It is not so easy to find
+m%~f0~
3 %ff
~. ~ . /:'N ~·%·{·?·
a good follow-up for White. For example,
~
if;N·'·'·///·,;·,
%%~%~
A %fl0 A ~% :»Ni A ;;;:[((;, l 6.ct::id4 (l 6.h4?! ixc3 l 7.bxc3 ct::if6!+)
2 o[~o~ (dotd l 6 ... ®b6 l 7.h4 ®xd4 l 8.®xd4 ixd4 19.8xd4
~@~:~m
%~ ,,,,~ /, / ~
/~:;:;;; 'Lle5 20Jhd6 'Llf3+ and Black has a small but
a b c d e f g h clear advantage in the ending.
14 ... ®b6! 15.ct::id4 (15.ie3 ®b7+) 15 ... b4
16.4Jxc6 ®xc6 l 7.4Je4 ct::idS+ Black clearly
had the better chances in Bogut- P.H. Nielsen,
Eilat 2012, as the strong pawn on b4 gave him
wonderful attacking possibilities. He went on
to win without much difficulty.
12.. .VNaS!
I feel this is most logical, as it gives Black's
queen maximum activity and access to many
important squares along the fifth rank. It has
been the choice of Topalov and Areshchenko,
a fact that speaks volumes about its merits.
13 .. .°rMfhS! Too slow seems 15.1iWe3?! bS! 16.g4 (16.:i~d4?!

An important manoeuvre, which gets the e5 17 J;:dd 1 g5 ! 18 .ig3 b4+ is a massive
queen out of the dangerous vis-a-vis on the improvement for Black over the Timman -
e l-a5 diagonal. The queen ties down the Topalov game) 16 ... ~c5+ and the exchange of
f3-knight to the defence of the h4-bishop, queens is forced, after which only Black can
and Black hopes he will have enough time to be better.
organize the advance ... dS to gain the upper
hand in the centre. It goes without saying that 15 .. .°rMf cS
White needs to disrupt this plan, and at the
same time further his kingside ambitions, so
the next move looks rather forced.
14.h3! Ei:fd8!
I believe this centralization gives Black
excellent chances to equalize.
A world-class debate continued instead with

the ambitious 14 ... gS!? l 5.ig3 eS. In Timman
- Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 2003, Black's
attempt to stiBe the g3-bishop, no matter how
impressive it may appear, could have landed
him in a worse position after:
A critical position for the assessment of
14 ... mds! and the whole concept of ... ~a5-h5.
The threat is still ... d5, and White can choose
between the tactical B2231) 16.gS?! and the
positional B2232) 16.tDd4!.
B2231) 16.gS?!
This tactical solution isn't quite satisfactory in

view of the following line:
a b c d e f g h 16 ... hxgS 17.~xgS bS! 18.CDd4

16.CLlh2!? (16.~d3, as played in the game, 18.ie3 ~h5+
is less clear in view of 16 ... ~gG!?Nt!)
16 ... b5 17.f.3! b4 This occurred in the later 18 ... b4 19.CDdS ~xdS 20.exdS °IWxdS
game Greet - Gormally, Swansea 2006, when White has some attacking chances, but
best is 18.CLlg4!Nt, as pointed out by Topalov a pawn is a pawn and Black has a sound
himself in his notes to the Timman game. defensive structure.
21.°IWcl!?
15.g4!
This is the most annoying option for Black,
Faced with ... d5, White needs to undertake
as White gets out of the ... CLle4 fork with gain
drastic measures.
of time by threatening CL\xe6.
432
After 2 l .f3 Black can force a drawish ending

by 2I. .. 4Je4!? 22.fxe4 ®xgS 23.4Jc6 ®xd2
24.4Jxe7t ~f8 25.4Jg6t fxg6 26Jhd2 iie7
27J~g2 ms 28.Bxg6 Bf7= if he so desires, but
it is quite likely that he can fare even better
than that.
7. •"~·-
8 ~-
•1•
~~ •••
--~~~-;:~
%.
6
5
R
~~~~-» R
~~
a b c d e f g h
26 ... Bg8 27.f3!? 4Jxg5 28.BxgS Bce8 29.Bxa7
:.%••~.!
Be2 30.Bgl= Despite Black's apparently more
active pieces, the position is equal.
22 ... @fS! 23.W/f4!

2fj~fjR ~ R
~
23.Bgl ?? gxh6 24.®xh6t iie8-+
1 • ~rt
~~~:It~ B
\,,,; %~
23 .. JfacS 24.h3! W/a6 25.lLlxe6t! fxe6

a b c d e f g h 26.~xe6 ~d7 27.~del!
21...W/c4! 27.Bxf6t? ixf6 28.®xf6t Bl/-+
I like this move, which has the deep idea to
attack the multifunctional d4-knight by means
of ... Bac8-c5-d5! White dare not evict the
queen by b2-b3, as that would create a gaping
hole on c3 for the black knight.
22.~h6!?
This startling move is the most dangerous try
I could find.
22.Bg 1 Bac8+ with the idea of ... Bc5 looks

slow for White.
22.h4!? Bac8 23.hS ~h7! also leaves the

first player struggling to draw, although he
can probably achieve it with the spectacular:
24.ctJfS! (24.®f4 eS 25.®fSt ~g8 26.4Jb3
Be8+ or 24.h6 g6 25.®f4 eS 26.®h4 exd4
27.ixf6 ®xc2t 28.~al d3!+ are hardly 28 ... @gS 29.a4 Wid3 30.W/g3! W/xg3 31.fxg3
any problem for us) 24 ... exfS 25.Bxe7 4Je4 The end of the complications finds Black
26.Bgl ! The computer rates this as equal bur, slightly better after either of the following
to be honest, the way to safety is rather what replies:
one would call 'luck' in chess.
19 ... :e:acS
It turns out Black's act1v1ty sufficiently
compensates for his weakened kingside:
7.,. ~,.
s B:i~~ B•B
/,/B ~B,.t"~ ~-
,;,~~-~%~
6
s
4 ~-
•~sfa'" •"
3-~~~~
2rn~.1
)ti a
1B@BM~ B
B2232) 16.q)d4!
a b c d e f g h
20.~eS!
This centralization appears best, but the
alternative is also interesting.
After 20.f4!? Wa5! 21.Ct:Jde2, a good reaction

is: 21 ... ic4 (21 ... ic5!?) 22.fxg5 hxg5 23.a3
gxdl t 24.gxd} ixe2 25.Ct:Jxe2 'Lld5 26.Wf3
Wa4 27.gd2 if6 28.if2 Wc6~
20 ... ~c4 21.f4!?

2 l.b3 l2id7 22.ig3 'Ll b6! is quite okay for
Black.
21...q)dS 22.q)xdS :e:xdS 23.h4!

23.b3 gxf4 24.Wxf4 (24.ixf4? if6+)
24 ... ig5~
23 ... gxf4 24.~xf4 ~d6! 2S,q)f3 :e:xdl t

26.:e:xdl ~d3! 27.:e:cl
17.~g3 27.<j;ial Wxc2 28.gel if8 is just unclear.
17.'Llxc6 bxc6 18.ig3 d5 19.exd5 Ct:Jxd5
20.Ct:Je4 Wb5~
17 ... dS 18.exdS ~xdS 19.~e3!?

19.cthd5 Ct:Jxd5 20.h4 gac8~
434
Conclusion
8 -~- •••
7•iB BaB This exciting chapter began \vith the sequence
B ~iB •
5 ~ ~~, S~/'4 ~~L
6
l.e4 c5 2.c2:if3 c2:ic6 3.j,bS d6 4.d4 cxd4
5.~xd4 iid7 6.eihc6 ixc6, with White then
4 ~.aJ~:·~~
~
~. ~8/fj~
%
choosing between 7.c4 and 7.c2:ic3. Against the
former I propose 7 ... f5!?, when our open f-file
certainly leads to some double-edged positions.
3B B.t.B~B My analysis shows the most harmonious set-
2 tDtB B B ups for the black pieces, and there is plenty
scope for creativity as the second player fights
1 ~@~~
~ /,,,,,Y, ~ ~
~/ for the foll point.
a b c d e f g h 7.c2:ic3 sets the wheels in motion for
opposite-side castling, and while this does
27 ... ~f2! 28.~xh6 ~xeS 29.lDxeS ~e4
not necessarily signal the beginning of brutal
30.~gSt @h7 31.~d3 ~xd3 32.cxd3 ~xcl t
mating attacks, the play does become sharp
33.@xcl h6=
and tactical. There is a lot of hard work for
The computer says White has no way to
the reader here, but I am convinced that my
make progress in spite of being a pawn up, and
analysis shows the clearest routes to fight for
I believe it.
the initiative.
a b c d e f g h
Rossolimo - 4.ixc6t
Variation Index
1.e4 c5 2.ctJf3 'tlc6 3.i.h5 d6 4.i.xc6t
4 ... bxc6
A) 5.e5 436
B) 5.0-0 e5!? 6.c3! f5!? 439
BI) 7.°1Wa4 440
B2) 7.d4!? fxe4 8.'llg5 441
B21) 8 ... exd4 441
B22) 8 ... cxd4 9.cxd4 d5 442
B221) 10.dxe5 442
B222) 10.'llxe4!! 444
B23) 8 ... i.fS!? 446
B24) 8 ... d5!? 448
B3) 7.exf5 i.e7!? 8.d4 e4! 452
B31) 9.'llg5 453
B32) 9.ctJfd2 'llf6 10.dxc5 d5! 454
B321) l 1.c4 455
B322) 11.b4 456
B 1) after 7.'gfa4 B21) after 20.lJ4 B24) after 9.dxe5
8 i. 8 i.
7 ' 7 '
6 6
5 5
4 .s 4
3 ctJ 3 , /[i, , ;,:, ;,'

2 88 2 f'J ,8 / ;, !'1 f'J 1S
1 .s 1 .SctJ~°iV" :~
7... 1£!~ 20 ... kcS!N 9 ... W'c7!?N

436 2. c2l f3 c2l c6
1.e4 cS V"tJf3 ctJc6 3.~bS d6 4.~xc6t bxc6 12 ... c2ld7! 13.~e3 ~b6 14.~c2 ie6 15.t2lf3
f6 16.d4 cxd4 l 7.cxd4 c5! 18.dxcS?! '\WxcS+
Black stood fine in Dimitriadis - Dochev,
Heraklion 2011.
5.h3 is the sort of precaution that is rather

needless at this point. 5 ... eS 6.0-0 ie7 7.c3?!
(7.d3 fS 8.ctJbd2 ~f6 is also more pleasant for
Black)
8 ~ j_~*t('.'llb~J
P'1 '.'.;/" *i•~i
1
6 :;,/ r~· ~?,t:& ·rr·~
a b c d e f g h s :1~ !&i :::P:t
4 / .. / A:,;:!<::; ./~~ft
This is an important line. White surrenders 0 ;;:>/// ·,:j0,~
3 '.:~ '.tffi'.:'. (,";\ ;}fi A

the bishop but inflicts a slight weakness upon %%'.: }'.;'.;:'.;: "'2.J f'.::i~ Q
our pawn formation, which he hopes to 2 oA ;'../~~
G~ t.'jq/
.:Ai·/· .. ;% o
'ffA
;,Q:,: A ~p
·/~'.'.;>;~
exploit later on. He will try to do so by either 1 ~~~~iVt( M;~

a disruptive e4-e5, or (in case we have already a b c d e f g h
played ... eS) by c2-c3 and d2-d4, opening
7 ... fS! 8.exfS e4! 9.~e 1 ixfS 1O.d3 exd3
up the centre and aiming to saddle us with
l 1.ctJxd3 ctJf6 12.c4 0-0 13.ctJc3 '\Wd7 14.gel
weaknesses on d6 and c6.
gae8 l 5.b3 id8!+ Black stood well in Almagro
Llamas - Etchegaray, Elgoibar 2014, and went
We will consider A) 5.eS before moving on to
on to win.
the main move B) 5.0-0.
5.c3 ctJf6! 6.°\Wa4 (6.d3 g6!? 7.0-0 '\Wc7 8.~a3

A) 5.eS
ig7 9.h3 0-0 is also excellent for Black)
6 ... id7 7.0-0 eS 8.d3 ie7 9.c2lbd2 0-0
IO.gel '\Wc8 (another possibility was 10 ... ctJe8
11. ctJ c4 f6) 11. c2l c4 ig4 12. ctJ fd2
A logical move which disrupts our plan

a b c d e f g h of setting up a proud pawn centre by ... es.
Chapter 24 - Rossolimo - 4jhc6t 437
However, the time lost allows Black strong This strong centralization is the point behind
central play, which he achieves in the following 5 ... dxe5!?, attacking both e5 and g2.
manner:
S... dxeS!?
This ruins the pawn structure, but Black will
get a lot of tempos to compensate.
7•RiR
s
6
:i R.i.Rffl•lll~~
R .,.,
RR
6)the5 sR
4 ~ . ,• • ~ .
-~~ R
6.0-0
This is rather extravagant, but it shouldn't be
taken lightly. 3R RR
b
R
b %5~'~~ %!~'~ ~~,~
6 ... f6! 2b ~
:::, ~
0,~'~
~
,,/ . ;: ,,./
~ ~
;;'. ,,/
~ ~
;;:,,,,;;:
~~~~ifm •:
6 ... e4 7.ltJgS ~d5 8.d3 exd3 9.ltJc3 ~d7
I O.cxd3 ltJf6 I I .id± looks a bit better for ~
/.,,,,Y, /u/u/, /;,,,,/,
White. a b c d e f g h
7.d3 7.ctJf3 ~e4t
Now it is Black's turn to annoy his opponent,
as White will have to either give up a pawn or
lose castling privileges to parry this check.
8.@fl
The more popular response, keeping White's
pawn structure intact at least.
8.~e2 ~xc2 9.0-0

9.ltJa3 ~g6 10.0-0 ih3 11.ctJel ig4 12.f3
ifs l 3.ltJc4 ~e6!+ is quite unimpressive
from White's point of view.
7 ... c4! 8.ltJc3 9 ... ltJf6 10.§el
8.dxc4 ~xdl 9.§xdl g6+± is a fine ending
I 0.4Jc3 e6 11.ltJeS ~f5!? l 2.g4 4Jxg4!
for Black.
13.ltJxg4 ia6! 14.~xa6 ~xg4t= is an
8 ... cxd3 9.cxd3 ig4 I0.h3 ih5 11.§el §b8!
interesting, albeit not forced, line.
Intending ... 2b7-d7 amongst others.
12.~e2 §b7
l 2 ... e6 l 3.d4!
13.id e6 14.§edl 4Je7 15.d4 e4! 16.4Jxe4
ltJd5+±
I like Black's position: he has returned the
pawn, but he has two powerful bishops and
a strong knight on d5 to compensate for his
weakness on c6.
6 ... ~dS!
a b c d e f g h
438
10 ... e6 and ~g2. Black may play: 12 .. .EibS l 3.g3

1O... Wf5!?N could also be tried. (13.~e5 :i;b7 14.~xf5 ~xf5 15.g4 ie6
l l.ctia3 Wf5 12.ct:lc4 16.~g2 h5 l 7.g5 ct:ld7 is at least equal for
12.ctie5 ct:ld7! Black) 13 ... 0-0 l 4.;:tg2
12 ... ia6!~
I like this, developing while pinning a
dangerous piece.
Instead, 12 ... fe7 13.ct:lfe5! 0-0 14.d3
(14.ct:lxc6 ge8 is not as bad as it seems for
Black, as his bishop is coming to b7) I 4 ... ct:ld5
4 /~ ;?:,/:. · ~ Ji.:d
l 5.ct:lxc6 was slightly uncomfortable for Black ///'.;:;'. /;;i :::c::::a::
in Bulmaga - Breslavskaya, Kharkov 2007, 3 ~;;L
,;·;:/_'.;;~
•~-
~· 0A /{[;. r,;_ /f1};,;; A,
;>~//~<:c.2___j,;:Q: 0
although even here the best move l 5 ... ge8N 00 2 8 /& 8 1f{iif //J;@>f!~
would have left the situation rather unclear. The
h l-a8 diagonal is a long-term asset for Black.
1 1@
/. .. /
~.,
1~t1
, .·.,:;;
~f')l!
0///
a b c d e f g h
14 ... geS! 15.~e5 '1Wxe5 16.ct:lxe5 ct:ld7! l 7.ct:lc4
ctJ b6+ Black gets an excellent position, as
White cannot maintain control of the critical
c4-square.
8 ... g6
This looks like the best set-up; by developing
his bishop on g7 Black can exert maximum
influence in the centre.
An example of what could go wrong if Black

is not careful is: 8 ... ct:lf6 9.d3 Wf5 IO.ct:lbd2 g6
l l.b3 fg7 12.ib2 0-0 13.iWe2 ia6 14.We5
'1Wxe5 l 5.ct:lxe5 gfeS l 6.g3± White had a
pleasant edge and went on to win comfortably I3.CLJxc6 i.xc3!? I4.hxc3 i.d7 15.°~eS
in N tirlis - Weiss, corr. 2013. 15.ct:le5 ctlxc3 16.iWel ctJb5 is excellent for
the second player as well, as he has the easier
9.CLJc3 ~fS I0.d3 i.g7 11.~e2 CLJf6 12.CLJeS play. White has problems with the h I-rook,
The slower 12.h3 has the idea of bringing and the c2, d3 pawn duo will be a target of
the king to safety by following up with g2-g3 attack.
Chapter 24 - Rossolimo - 4.j,xc6t 439
s :iR R•R i• 6.c3!

Were it not for this move we would have
7 f~ R.t•a~i
~ an easy ride. The text threatens to open up
,'I)~~~
/ . ./ .~. /, .... /,
~ & ~ the centre, benefitting the better developed

~~~ ~-~~
~}/;'\~
6 side - and that is undoubtedly White. Thus,
5~
~ ~ j Lj ~ urgent measures are required on Black's part,
4 RR RR who should try to disrupt the plan of d2-d4 by

striking first in the centre.
3~t~
~ r ~ A ~. .~
;:l);:O~ ~
2 rJRrJR ~rJf!l White has a few alternatives, but they are
0~ ~ RWRM slow and allow Black to organize himself.

One such example is 6.E&e I 4Je7! 7.c3 4Jg6
a b c d e f g h 8.d4 cxd4 9.cxd4 f6! I0.'Wc2 id7 when Black
15 .. J~g8! 16.thfS gxf5 17.c4 j,xc6 18.cxdS has a super-solid centre and can complete his
j,xdS 19.f3 ~h8= development without having to worry about
The ending is of course balanced, but Black's tactics.
piece activity makes the position easy and
pleasant to play.
B) 5.0-0
a b c d e f g h
l l.b3?! (l I.ie3 ie7 12.4Jbd2 0-0 13.E&adl

'W e8!+:! also looks excellent for Black, but at
least in this case White keeps the f4-square
covered.) l I...ie7 12.4Jbd2 0-0 13.ib2 E&c8
14.E&adl 'We8! 15.ctJfl ig4 16.E&e3 cS! 17.dxcS
gxcS 18. 'W d2 'W c6+ Black had seized a clear
advantage in Guerrero - Nakamura, Chicago
It seems wisest for White to castle before
2008, and went on to gain the full point.
undertaking any action in the centre.
6 ... fS!?
S... eS!?
I think chat this is the most thematic move,
Tiger Hillarp Persson gives the simple and
striking at the light squares where White is
safe 5 ... ig4 in Experts on the Anti-Sicilian,
currently weak. Of course it entails some risk,
which should eventually be good enough for
but after other moves Black would be slightly
equality. I decided to offer something spicier, as
worse without real chances to play for a win.
I believe that gaining space is a principled way
of playing if it can be justified by tactical means.
440
White sometimes plays Bl) 7JWa4, but the Instead, the widely used 7 ... l2:lf6?! looks
two main possibilities are B2) 7.d4!? and dubious in view of the following little-known
B3) 7.exfS. game: 8.d4!! cxd4 (8 ... fxe4 9.dxe5 exf3
7.d3 l2:lf6 8.V;Jfa4 V;Jfc7 9.E&el !e7 IO.l2:lbd2 10.exf6±) 9.cxd4 l2:lxe4 10.dxeS V;Jfb6 Naudier
0-0 l l .l2:lc4 was Tochtrop - Joachim, - Riff, Besancon 2006, when best is:
Schwaebisch Gmuend 2006, and now I like:
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h l l.ctJc3!N ctJxc3 l 2.bxc3± Black is
1 l...fxe4!?N 12.dxe4 !g4 13.ctJgS h6 l 4.h3 undeveloped and likely to come under a huge
id7 l 5.l2lf3 §f7 16.V;Jf aS V;Jfxa5 l 7.l2:lxa5 ids attack.
18.l2:lc4 !c7+ Black plans ... !e6 and ... aaf8,
with an excellent game. Another possibility rs 7 ... V;Jf c7 8.exf5 !xfS
9 .d4, and now:
BI) 7JWa4
a) 9 ... cxd4 10.cxd4 e4 l l.V;Jfc2!? (11.E&el ie7
12.l2:lfd2 [12.c2lg5?! dS 13.l2:lc3 c2lf6+] 12 ... dS
13.ctJc3 c2lf6 14.f3 !d6! is okay for Black
according to analysis by S. Ivanov) l l ... ie7
(l 1...l2:lf6 12.igS dS 13.ctJeS ac8 14.acl:t)
a b c d e f g h
I would be surprised if such a move caused
Black any trouble. a b c d e f g h
12.dS! V;Jfc8 13.c2ld4 cxdS 14.ctJc3 l2:lf6

7 ... ~d7!N 15.ctJxfS V;JfxfS 16.ie3 0-0 17.aadl:t This is a
The white queen looks a bit out of play position worth analysing, but I feel White has
on a4. a small edge.
Chapter 24 - Rossolimo - 4.~xc6t 441
b) 9 ... e4!? 10.§'.el 0Jf6 11.dxcS dS is unclear. Meeting fire with fire. White believes (rightly
so) that the position of the enemy king in the
-n1e following is what is likely to happen after centre will offer him enough compensation for
'my' 7 ... !d7! (I hope I am allowed to call it this the pawn.
as, strangely enough, it has never been tried).
7 ... fxe4
8.exfS ~e7 9.d3 Black should of course take the offered pawn
9.d4? cxd4 1O.cxd4 cS+ and try to weather the storm.
8.ctJgS
At this point we have reached a major
juncture for this line, where I would like to
examine the following choices for Black:
B21) 8 ... exd4, B22) 8 ... cxd4, B23) 8 ...iJS!?
or B24) dS!?.
B21) 8 ... exd4
TI1is has been played by the strong Serbian GM

Bojan Vuckovic, who is quite serious about his
openings. I must confess that I hadn't looked
a b c d e f g h at the move too much, but the following game
9 ... ciJ f6 10. ciJ hd2 o-o 11. ciJ e4 ~xfs 12.WI xc6 indicates that it may be just playable:
~c8 13.°1Wa4 dS 14.ctJxf6t ~xf6 15.°IWdl
°1Wd6t 9.ctJxe4 ctJf6 10.~el!
Black has tremendous compensation for the 10.igS ie7 l 1.0Jxf6t ixf6 12.§'.elt ~f7
pawn, and could well be much better. l 3.ixf6 ~xf6 l 4.cxd4 cxd4 l 5.0Jd2 !fS=
B2) 7.d4!?
a b c d e f g h
I0 ... ctJxe4 1 l.~xe4t @f7 12.cxd4 dS
a b c d e f g h 13.~f4t @g8 14.dxcS ~xcS 15.ctJc3
1S.c2Jd2!? id6 16.§'.a4 Wf6 17.lllf3 h6
442
l 8.ie3! id7! (18 ... Wfxb2 l 9.id4±) l 9.Wf d2 B221) 10.dxeS ~fS
~h7 20.id4 Wff7 21.'LleS ixe5 22.ixeS ghe8
23.ge 1± is a bit better for White. This merely leads to unclear positions, as the
following analysis indicates:
15 ... ~e616.~e3!~d617.~a4@f7! 18.~hSt
IS.gel geS l 9.ga6 (l 9.'Lle2 id7 20.'Lld4
Wf cS is not as awful for Black as it seems,
because the rook is misplaced on a4.) 19 ... gcS
s S•~•~~
A~
7.~R"~ "··'"
20.gxa7t ~g8 2 l .'Lla4 White is a pawn up,
but I feel Black has enough play to hold.
6 RiR RR
5~ RiW~j_~
18 ... g6 19.~f3t 4mR~~fR"R
l 9.Wfh6!? WffS 20.Wfh4 Wf e7 21.igS Wf d7 is
another position where Black suffers because
3
R RR R
of his unsafe king, but it's not easy to find a
knockout blow.
2,9J!Jff; ~RJ!lJJJ!l
~~~~V~Mm
19 ... ~f6 20.iJ4 a b c d e f g h
As played in A. Kovacevic - Vuckovic, 11.tt)c3
Sombor 2009, and now I recommend: White will need this move to have any
chance of an advantage, with the only question
8 ARR R i~ /,""'./,
/,,, , y:
being whether it has to be preceded by Wf a4
or not.
7
6
• RRff~R•Ri
S R I had at first dismissed l l .g4 as too weakening,
5 R~Nflji~ although it is by no means losing: l l ... h6
12.4Jf7! (12.gxfS hxg5+) 12 ... ~xf7 13.gxfS
4 MR R ~ R Wfh4 14.ctJd (l 4.e6t?! ~f6+) l 4 ... 4Je7
3
2
1
:~"R~~:~
R ~ RVR
rl %R~R" \,ul
1~ ~ ~ m
%
a b c d e f g h
20 ... ~cS!N
Black is close to being equal.
B22) 8 ... cxd4 9.cxd4 dS
a b c d e f g h
White now has B221) 10.dxeS or the stunning
B222) IO.tt)xe4!!. l 5.f3! e3 l 6.ixe3 4Jxf5 l 7.if2 Wff4 18.ctJxdS!
Wfxe5 19.'Lld id6 20.f4 Wf e6~ Black's king is
less draughty than White's, and this makes his
position slightly easier to play.
11.Wa4 1I...h6 12.CLJh3 ~cs

I spent a lot of time analysing this obvious Black cannot take on h3 because ofWhSt.
continuation, concluding that Black stands
rather well after either 11 ... Wc8 or 11 ... Wd7. 13.~e3!
One interesting line is: l 3.'Lla4 ib6 I 4.'Llf4 'Lle7 l 5.b4 (15.WhSt?!
11...WcS 12.'Llc3 h6 13.ctJxdS!? g6 I 6.Wh4 ic7! is better for Black) 15 ... 0-0~
7.~.,%.~. "
l 3.'Llh3 ixh3 l 4.gxh3 We6~ can't be worse yields an approximately balanced position.
for Black with White's kingside so ruined.
s
6L%.,.~.%-
AR B•R'I)~~
4··'
5
3
f m.
~
R?·i·~- ~i~j_-
~ RtZJ
2
r t ,~ ~~""~ :~
rrf ~/ %/,ff,{
t~ RiiRM~
%
a b c d e f g h
13 ... hxgS 14.ixgS ie7 15Jfacl! Wb7! 16.ie3 a b c d e f g h

gd8 17.mdI ~f7 I8.gxc6 id7 l 9.e6t
13 ...~b6 14.lZ:if4!
l 9.'Llxe7 ixc6 20.Wc4t ~xe7 21.WcSt
l 4.Wa4 'Lle7 15.'LlxdS!? WxdS l 6.ixb6
~e8 22.gxdSt ~xd8 23.WfSt ie8 24.igSt ixh3 17.gxh3 0-0 18.ic7 'Llg6 19.gadl Wf7
'Lle7 25.Wxh8 Wxb2 26.ixe7t ~d7! 27.g4!
20.Wxe4 'Llf4 21.id6 'Llxh3t 22.~g2 'Llxf2
e3= is a draw. 23.ixfS 'Llxe4 24.gxf7 ~xf7 25.id6 ~e6= is
l 9 ... ixe6 20.gc7 Wxb2 2 l.'Llxe7 gxd It
an ending the computer considers completely
22.Wxd I 'Llxe7 23.icS ge8 24.WhSt ~f8
equal.
25.Whst ~f7 26.WhSt ~f8=
The game must end in a perpetual.
14... CLJe7 15.'\WhSt! g6 16.~h4 g5
16 ... WbS!?
444
17.~hSt @f8 18.CLJfe2 ~e8 19.~xeSt @xe8 14.lZk3!N

20.c2:id4 .icsai My novelty. The inaccurate 14.i,gS? V!ffe6
15.Qid Qie7 16Jhcl :§b8 17.~e2 ~b7
B222) I0.Cthe4!! 18.Qixe4 ( 18.V!ffxe4 ~fS) 18 ... QidS!+ had led
R ~,~
to a good position and an eventual win for
Black in Stefanov - Desmoitier, corr. 2000.
~ ,~~~,~,~,
/O'S;/ ::;,, "/,
14 ... V!ff eG
The alternative 14 ... QihG 15.ixhG gxh6
:~i!-·~
16.:§ac 1 ~e6 17 .:§d6± looks hopeless for
Black as well.
15.if4! Qie7 16.ffacl Qig6 17.ig3 ~b7
4R ~CDR R 18.Vlffe2!
3R RR R 18. Qi xe4? V!ff g4
2
~~~~--,~{'
tW/J R W!JtW/j
~,,J· ffj
a b c d
~
e f
8 ... cxd4 9.cxd4 dS is one of the two lines I
~/,,,;;
g h
18 ... :§bS
originally wanted to suggest, but I was soon

disappointed to discover that this underrated
sacrifice gives White a slightly better ending.
After all these promising lines, it is easy
to understand that an in-depth analysis of
1O.lbxe4!! left me in a state of shock. a b c d e f g h
19.QibS!!
I0 ... dxe4 11.~hSt @e7
A bolt from the blue.
This awful king move is unfortunately forced.
19 ... cxbS 20.V!ffxe4t @b6 21.b4! aS 22.f4 axb4
l l...@d7? 23.fS+-
Ihat was a massive disappointment for me,
Black had fared well with this alternative in
a correspondence game, but the sad truth is but I hope that my discovery of all these moves
will prevent Black players falling victims to
that the move loses:
this deep opening trap.
12.dxeS @c7 13Ji'.d 1 V!ff e7
Returning to 11...@e7, I was surprised to

see that Black is not losing in 15 moves (and
may in fact be not losing at all) yet I'm not
satisfied with the results of my research from
the repertoire's point of view.
12 ..igSt ~f6 13.dxeS ~dS!
a b c d e f g h
14.f4!!
Black is presented with a rather grim
defensive task in the resulting ending, which 14... exf3 15.exf6t @d7
is a rather unfortunate fact considering that all Not the only move, but the alternative seems
the other lines seem to work: rather laborious too.
For example, 14.exf6t gxf6 15.f4! fxgS
16.4Jc3 \Wc5t 17.riihl riid8! leads to a draw: l 5 ... gxf6 I 6.ixf6t! <j;;>xf6 l 7Jhf3t riie7
l 8. 1~%4t ciid7 l 9.4Jc3
6
5
4
3 ~{~
2 b
/~
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
l 8.\Wf7 (l 8.4Jxe4 IWfS 19.\Wd It riic7 20.\Wd4
gg8 21.fxgS IWdS 22.\Wa4 £le6! 23.gacl l 9 ... ie7 20.\Wh3t ciid8 2 l .4Jxd5 icSt
riib7 24.4Jf6 ®bS 25.IWxbSt [25.\We4 £ld5] 22.4Je3 ixh3 23.gxh3 ge8 24.riif2 gb8 25.b3
25 ... cxbS 26.4Jxg8 £lxg8 27.gcd I c;tc7 is 00 gb7 26.gdl t riic8 27.gf3 gbe7 28.gd3±
just unclear) 18 ... \We7 19.gfdlt (19.\Wc4 White is a bit tied up for the moment, but if
IWcS) l 9 ... riic7 20.4Jd5t cxdS 21.IWxdS c;tbs he manages to put his h- and g-pawns on the
22.IWbSt \Wb7 23.IWeSt \Wc7= White can only third rank, place his king on d2 and follow up
be worse after 24.\WxhS?! \Wg7! 25.\Wxab 7 £lxat,
L
7. with 4Jc2 (all of which I think he can do) then
I don't see full compensation for the pawn.
14.ih4 ~e6! l 5.ixf6 gxf6 16.~dl \WxeS Maybe I am missing something here, so this
17.IWeSt c;tf5 l 8.\Wxc6 1;6 19.~xaS leads to position definitely requires deeper analysis.
a picturesque draw:
446
s~B.i.B • 010
7 •••••,
B23) 8 ... ~fS!?
6 BiB ~ B
sB B~B ~v
:~~~--
g?~~-
8~ B B8r~
2
1
rt: %~ ~~
BtL~
~M;,,{ '
a b c d e f g h
16.~g4t c;t>c7 l 7,jJ4t c;t>b7 18.~xf3 ~xf3
19.:§:xf3 gxf6
Thus, an ending with equal material, and This continuation is relatively unexplored
even two bishops for Black, has been reached. but seems quite okay to me. It looks logical,
I was ready to attach the '=' sign to Black's as ... h6 is already threatened. In my opinion
last and conclude happily that we have one White only has one really good move:
more good line available against 7.d4!?, but
the more I looked at the position the less I 9.f3!
liked our weakness on f6, and the c5-square This typical reaction tests the correctness of
in particular. 8 ... ifS!?.
s~B.i.B • 010 9.dxe5? is already a grave error, and after

9 ... h6 10.g4 hxg5 11.gxfS dS 12.~a4 White
7••B B Bi was on the edge of a precipice in Petr -
6 BiB • B Bellahcene, Al-Ain 2013. Black could have
sB BBB
finished his good opening work with the
simple:
4 BB~ B
3B B RMB
28~ B B8~
C'~ . ~ ~
~~~B ~~
/",,;'.':,'1
1 B
a b c d e f g h
20.~e3!t
The endgame may be drawable for Black,
but I would recommend it only to great
technicians and endgame connoisseurs, and a b c d e f g h
even then not without some reservations.
12 ... 4Je7N+ Black would have had every
reason to count on victory.
Another move worth considering is 9.®e2, but

after 9 ... cxd4 1O.cxd4 d5 11.f.3 ct:Jh6! 12.fxe4
dxe4 13.ctJc3 ®xd4t 14.~e3 \Wd3~ it is hard
to believe Black can have any problems.
Finally, 9.®b3? d5 1O.®b7 4Je7! is just losing

for White.
9 ... e3!
Only in this manner can Black gain equal
chances.
9 ... lle7 fails to: 1O.fxe4! llxg5 l l .ixg5 ®xg5

12.gxfS! ~e3t
s
7 ,,
E
6 14.~c2 is easier for us: 14 ... Wd7! (14 ... ixe4
5 l 5.fxe4 c5 is less clear) l 5.ct:Jxf6t ixf6
16.E&elt ~t7 17.®c3 (17.®f2 ixd4 18.®xd4
4
ixbl!? 19Jfaxbl EI'.he8 20.b3 d5 21.EI'.bcl
3
a5!= looks thoroughly balanced. White has
little chance to make something our of the
c5--square weakness without his knight.)
a b c d e f g h
13.Eff2!! ctJf6 (13 ... !tJh6 14.~b3 0-0-0 s E
l 5.ct:Jd2±) 14.ctJd2 0-0 l 5.~c4 ~xe4 7 i
16.ct:Jxd6 iYd5 17.dxeS ~xe5 18.je2!± After a 6
series of accurate moves, \'>?hire has reached a 5
position where Black's doubled c--pawns saddle
him with an unpleasant defensive task.
10.~xe3 ~e7
Having kept the f--file closed, Black can
develop without problems. a b c d e f g h
l7 ... ~he818.ct:Jd22xeH 19.gxel ge820.EI'.xe8
11.ctJe4 cxd4 12.cxd4 exd4 13.~xd4 ctJf6 ~xe8 2 l .t:f2 ~e6 22.'tk4 c5 23.ixf6 gxf6
1
Black is close to complete equality here, bur

24.C2le3 ibl 25.a3 ®e5 26.®d2 ~e6 27.ct:Jg4
the position is delicate because of his 'hanging' 1
~d4t!? 28.~xd4 cxd4 29.~e2 a5 30.b4 axb4
c-- and d--pawns.
3 l .axb4 f5 32.ct:Jf2 :i;d5=
14 ... ~xf6 IS.gel t @f7 16.ctJc3

Solid chess.
448 2. c2i f3 c2i c6
The computer initially likes 16.lt:h3 d5 17.Ekl, 23 ... ~e6 24.:E!:cl

but after l 7 .. .Ek8= the knight is misplaced and 24.E&e4 d3 25.~e3 d2 26.ctJb2 ge8 27Jh4
there is no question of an advantage. ®d8 28.E~d4 ~d5 29.~xd2 ciig8~
~,~.~.,.: H /"'~'/ H /," '/
sa:~;,,a:
6
:~WfjrifaH
HiW 11 H
2 !~f a~a:r~
1 ~~
/,,,,,Y,
a b
-~~~
•
c d
/,,,,,Y,
e f
m
/,,,,,/,
g h
16 ... dS 17Jkl
17.4Ja4 is answered strongly by l 7 .. .'\Wa5!
l 8.fxf6 gxf6 19.2'.cl E&he8=. For example:
25 ... ~dS 26.:E!:cl ~f6 27.:§:dl :El:e8!~
Thus, 8 ... ~f5!? is an interesting alternative to
our main line.
B24) 8 ... dS!?
This move denies White the c3-square for his

knight and leads to complicated play.
9.dxeS
17 ... ~xd4t 18.~xd4 ~b6 19.~f2

19.E&edl E&he8 20.E&d2 E&e7 2 l.4Ja4 ®b5fZ
with the idea of ... E&ae8.
19 ... :E!:heS 20.Clla4 :§:xel t 21.:El:xel ~aS

22.b3 d4! 23.g4
23.E&dl c5=
Chapter 24 - Rossolimo - 4.ixc6t 449
9 ... ~c7!?N black pieces to spring to life. After l O... ct:Jf6

This is a recommendation of the extremely l l.f3 id6! l 2.fxe4 0-0 13.exdS cxd5+ Black's
talented IM Aggelos Vouldis that has not yet tremendous bishop pair should carry the day
been tried in tournament practice. Black uses for him.
his queen to attack the annoying e5-pawn
which is hampering his development. Part of 1O.f4 is a logical move as it attempts to hold
the analysis that follows was made in an older on to e5, but after 10 ... 4Je7 our proud centre
joint session by IM Vouldis and GM Halkias, should give us the edge. For example: l 1.We2
while some of the lines were discovered later (1 l.ie3 h6 12.ct:Jh3 ct:Jf5+; l l.e6 h6 l 2.CLJf7
on by me and Yannis Stathopoulos. gg8!+) l 1...h6 l 2.4Jxe4 dxe4 13.ctJd2
IO.iJ4!
This seems to be the critical reply.
10.c4? is clearly bad: 10 ... WxeS l l.cxd5

(l 1.ctJc3 ct:Jf6!+; l 1.Wa4 id7 12.gel ct:Jf6+)
11 ... cxdS l 2.if4!?
Finally, 1O.Wh5t? g6 l l .Wh4 h6!= looks

a b c d e f g h almost winning for Black, as ... Wxe5 is coming.
12 ... ~fS!? (12 ... Wxf4 13.~xdS gb8 14.gd 1 is
less clear) 13.f3 Wxf4! 14.WxdS id6 15.Wc6t
~e7 l 6.g3 Wxg5 l 7.Wxa8 ct:Jf6+ It is hard to
see how White will survive.
10.Wa4?! h6 l l.4Jxe4 dxe4 12.ct:Jd2 4Je7

13.4Jxe4 ct:Jd5 14.c4 ct:Jb6 15.Wdl ie6
seems to leave White with rather insufficient
compensation for the piece.
l O.f3?! h6 11.ct:Jh3 ixh3 l 2.gxh3 Wxe5

l 3.fxe4 c4!t gives Black dynamic play with no
problems at all.
1O.e6?! looks anti positional as it allows all the

450
This move creates the powerful threat of l l .4Jd2 is a developing move that deserves
... h6. some respect, yet after l 1...h6 l 2.CzJh3 g5
13.ig3 lt:le7 14.e6 ~c8 15.WhSt fg6 16.Wg4
10 ... 4Je7 creates a traffic jam in the Black ifS the best White has is to repeat with
camp, and White can exploit this by 1 l .c4!, 17.~hSt==.
piling up the pressure. After l l...h6 l 2.ltJf7
ltJg6 l 3.ltJd6t ixd6 l 4.exd6 Wf7 l 5.ig3 0-0 Finally, l l.f3!? is well met by: 11...hG! l 2.ct:Jh3
16.cxdS cxdS 17.ltJdt the position remains ( l 2.fxe4? hxgS-+ reveals the dark side of
tense, but the strong pawn on d6 gives White having the bishop on f4) l 2 ... ixh3 l 3.gxh3
the better chances. e3 14.gel (14.ixe3 ~xe5 IS.gel ciif7+)
I 1.Wfa4!
White must play incisively or he will end up
significantly worse. By eyeing our weakness
on c6, the first player creates a multitude of
threats that require careful handling.
l l .e6? is a bad mistake in view of l l ... Wxf4

12.4Jf7 .ilxe6 13.ltJxhS ltJf6-+.
l l .g3?! also looks rather unhealthy after either

a b c d e f g h
11...WcS or 11...Wb7.
14 ... ctJe715.ixe3 ct:JfS 16.lJ2fe7~ Black has
l 1.Wd2 looks (and is) more logical than the excellent positional compensation in return
above moves, yet after l 1...Wb6 I see no for the pawn.
problems for us. For instance: l 2.e6 (l 2.f3
h6+) l 2 ... ltJf6 l 3.ltJf7 gg8 l 4.c4 ixe6
l S.ltJgS ifs 16.ieS h6 l 7.Wf4 id7 18.ixf6 11 ... Wfb7!
gxf6 19.ltJh7 0-0-0 20.ltJxf6 id6!-+ The Safeguarding the queen against all sorts of
counterattack is in full swing. 2 l .Wxd6? is not tactics and finally preparing to evict the knight.
possible because of 2 l ... ih3 22.Wf4 gxg2t
23.ciihl gg6-+.
11 ... WcS? is not good: b) 12.c4!! h6 13.cxdS! hxg5
a) l 2.e6 leads to a complicated position that

should peter out to a draw after correct play by
both sides. 1he following long line summarizes
the action: 12 ... cZ:lf6 13.cZ:lf7 '.8g8 14.f3
l 4.ig3!!± Black is busted, as he cannot stop

d5-d6 next move. With the queen on b7 this
possibility does not exist, because there is the
simple retort 14 ... ~bS.
a b c d e f g h
14 ... gS!! l 5.cZ:ld6t ixd6 I 6.ixd6 Wxe6
17.ixcS g4! l 8.fxe4 lLlxe4 l 9.id4 g3! 20.h3!
ixh3 2 l .lLld2! lLlxd2 22.'.8f6! Wd7
a b c d e f g h
23.Wdl!! 0-0-0 24.Wxd2 ifs 25.'.§Jl ig6

26.ieS <iib7 27.Wd4 (27.2lf4 <iia8 28.'.8a4
I would rate Black's chances as better in the
ie4 29.'.8a5 '.8df8 30.'.8xf8t :1:hf8 3 l.id4 °tJ;ffS
unclear position arising after l 2.c4 h6 l 3.lLlh3
32.Wel gf7 33.Wxg3 Wg6=; 27.ixg3 ie4
d4 14.cZ:ld2 lLle7 15.'.8ael cZ:lg6 16.ig3 ie7
28.'.8f7 '.8xg3 29.glf2 '.8xg2t 30.~fl '.8g7=)
l 7.lLlxe4 0-0~.
27 ... <iiaS 28.~ cS '.8c8 29.'.81 f3!? (29.'.8f8
'.8gxf8 30.:1:hfS '.8xf8 31.~xfSt ~e8 32.~d6
12. lLl d2 deserves some attention, yet after:
ibl 33.ixg3 ixa2 34.iH2 ic4 35.~c7 d4
12 ... lLle7! 13.f3!? (13.e6 cZ:lg6 14.f3 e3!
36.~xh7 ~g8 37.WxgSt ixg8=) 29 ... ~b7
15.ixe3 ie7 16.cZ:lb3 h6~ is fine for us)
30.id4 2ge8 31.2xg3 gel t 32.iih2 ~e7=
13 ... h6
452
7.d4!?, and it is up to the reader to choose one

according to his style and taste.
B3) 7.exfS
12 .. .tDf6!
After all these nuances the knight has finally This is considered to be the most critical
managed to enter the game! Black is one move reply.
away from safety, as ... ie 7 is threatened.
7 ....ie7!?
13.Cllf7! ~g8 14.Clld2 .ixe6 15.ctJd6t .ixd6 Here I am suggesting this little-known
16 ..ixd6 @f7 17.ctJh3 move of fellow Greek GM Stelios Halkias,
17.ixcS ~xb2= which has an interesting point associated with
prophylaxis: Black wants to defend himself
si:B B Bi:B against fi:J g5 ideas, so he makes a first step in
6L%-'~-%-
7 W~i¥flf • • • i
5.~,lrm .-
this direction by defending the critical square
twice.
8.d4
3-~~
This is of course the only move to have any
4ifB BiB B point.
2
~~,, . •:~
b~
a
B
BB
~,, ,~ •
b c d
B
e
~b~
f
L.J
g h
As we already know, Black is fine after 8.~a4
id7!.
In case of8.~c2 li:Jf6 9.d4 e4 10.fi:JgS d5 l l.f3

0-0 12.fxe4 dxe4 Black stands excellently, as
17 ... c4 18.ctJcS ~hS 19.~a3 aSa, the position has dangerously opened up for the
Black will follow up with .. J&ge8 and castle bishops:
artificially, and with the white queen far away
from the action I cannot see any dangers
for us. Thus, we have two good lines against
B31) 9.ctJgS ~xfS
a b c d e f g h
L3.®b3t (l 3.4Jxe4 cxd4t) 13 ... ctJdS l 4.4Jxe4
ixf5 l 5.4Jbd2 (15.ctJxcS?? ixc5 16.dxcS !d3
17.gxf8t ®xf8 18.®dl geS-+) 15 ... cxd4
l 6.cxd4 gbSt With a dangerous initiative for
the second player. This continuation is of course important,
but Black seems to be doing fine:
After 8.ge 1 Black can simply take back his
pawn by 8 ... !xfS, when I can see no problems 10.~el
for him. Halkias gives the following line: 9 .d4 This looks like the most natural choice,
cxd4 10.cxd4 e4 1 l.ctJfd2 dS 12.ctJd ctJf6 preparing to attack e4 with all White can
13.B ®b6!t afford.
1O.dxcS?! dS+ gives Black an excellent game

as ... h6 is threatened. White does have f2-f3
available, because that drops the gS-knight.
10.®e2
Black has several possibilities, with the one I
prefer being:
10 ... ctJf6!?
1O... !xgS 11.®hSt !g6 12.®xgS cxd4
13.®xdSt (13.cxd4 lbf6 14.ctJd 0-0=)
13 ... c;:hds 14.cxd4 ci>d7 15.4Jc3 4Jf6= is an
approximately balanced ending due to the
presence of opposite-coloured bishops, but
8 ... e4! I like Black's centralized king.
This is the main point of Stelios' conception; 11 .f3! cxd4! l 2.cxd4
by not exchanging on d4, he denies the white 12.fxe4 !g4 13.®c4 ®b6! 14.cxd4 h6
knight the c3-square. Black plays energetically, l 5.'1Jf3 4Jxe4 l 6.®e2 d5 17.4Jc3 0-0
hoping that his two bishops and strong centre l 8.'1Jxe4 !xf3 l 9.gxf3 gxf3 20.gxf3 dxe4
will be more important than a mere pawn. We 21.\Wxe4 !f6 22.!e3 ®xb2 23.gcl ®xa2
are now at a crossroads with White having two 24.§:xc6 gbS is fine for Black too.
knight moves: B31) 9.ctJgS and B32) 9.ctJfd2. 12 ... ®b6! 13.fxe4 ®xd4t 14.!e3 !g4!
454 2. ltJ f3 t2J c6
l 5.ixd4 ixe2 l 6J~el ig4 l 7.e5 dxe5 l 8Jhe5 13.g3 dxe4 14.~hSt ~g6 15.~xh4 ~xh4
~d8 l 9.ic5 ~dlt 20.~f2 4Jg8! 2 l.4Je4 ~f7 16.gxh4 cxd4 17.cxd4 ctJf6 18.ctJd2 0-0
If anybody has problems, it is certainly not 19.ctJc4 ~ad8
Black. The position has drawish tendencies, but if
anyone is slightly better it is Black.
10 ... dS
White is again hard pressed to meet the B32) 9.ctJfd2
threat of ... 4Jf6 followed by ... h6.
a b c d e f g h In this particular position, retreating the

11.f3 knight to d2 looks more critical.
I cannot see anything else.
9 ... l2Jf6 10.dxcS
11...~xgS 12.fxe4 Taking as many pawns as possible seems to
be the biggest test of Black's idea.
10.f3
This can be mer in two ways:
a b c d e f g h
12 ... ~h4! a b c d e f g h
An important nuance, after which Black is
10 ... exf.3
at least equal.
TI1is one leads to equality.
1O... dS!?K is more complicated: l l .fxe4! White has a choice of pawn moves:
(l l.~e2?! o:d-! l 2.cxd4 ~b6+) l l...dxe4 B321) 1 l.c4 or B322) 1 l.b4.
12.'llc4! (l~ ..:~b3 ia6 13.gel 0-0~) l l.g4?? equals hara-kiri after 11...hS 12.gS
12 ... cxd4! 13.cxd4 ila6 14.b3 c5! l 5.ile3 'llg4-+.
cxd4 16.ixd4: ~c8 17.ilxa7 ~c7 18.ilf2
0-0~ Black's compensation for the pawns l l .'Db3 ilxfS (11 ... 0-0N~ looks even better
is enough. as his bishops are powerful in to me, keeping White guessing) l 2.if4 ig4
conjunction with the e4 passer. 13.~d4 was agreed drawn in Spasov - Solak,
l l.~xf3 Kragujevac 2013, bur in my opinion Black has
11.ctJxf.3 ixf5 12.dxcS 0-0 gives Black at least enough for the pawn after 13 ... 0-0~.
excellent compensation for his pawn.
B321) 11.c4
l 3.'lld4 was Mokshanov - Gabrielian,
Samara 2013, and now I prefer the simple
retreat l 3 ... ild7N~, when I believe that
Black has at least equal chances.
11...dS 12.'llb3 c4 13.'llcS 0-0 14.ilgS ilxcS
15.dxcS h6 16.ih4 ~a5 17.'lld2 ~xcSt
18.if2N 12.ctJb3
18.cj;;ihl happened 111 Oral - Halkias, Trying to soften up the pawn front.
Reykjavik 2008, and here Black is simply l 2.g4?! is terribly dangerous: 12 ... 0-0
equal after l 8 ... 'lle4N=. 13.h3 (13.gS? ilxfS! 14.gxf6 gxf6+; 13.'Db3?
18 ... '~%5 l 9.b3 cxb3 20.axb3 'lle4 2 l .'llxe4 'llxg4! 14.~xg4 ixf5 15.~g2 ~d7+; 13.f3 e3
dxe4 22.~g3!? 14.LtJb3 hS~)
22.~xe4 ixf5=
22 ... gxfS 23.id4 gxfl t 2Hhfl ~g5=rt
10 ... dS!
Black is two pawns down and as yet
uncasrled, bur this is where the bad news ends.
His two bishops are powerful and there are a
lot of weak light squares in the enemy camp.
In addition, White's development is not ideal.
a b c d e f g h
456
13 ... !a6! 14.E&el e3 15.fxe3 dxe3 16.ctJb3 11 ... ~bs 1s.;;f3 h6 l 9.ie3 '~d7 20.h3 gb4
~xdl 17.E&xdl hS!i 2 l .ctJd4 ixcS 22.ctJe6 ixe3 23.ctJxfS i~d4
24.eS ~xf8 25.exf6 gxfG 26.%"el igS 27.~e4
In the case of l 2.f3 !xfS l 3.fxe4, both ~xe4 28.(he4 2xb2 29.~xg5 hxg5 30.EhfGt
13 ... !g6= and 13 ... !g4!?~ are good. Here is ~"i- 1/2 Schuster-Avotins, corr. 2015.
one possible continuation: 13 ... ig4 14. 1~e1
0-0 15.eS (15.ctJb3 !e6 16.ctJld2 ~c7~)
8 i.
6
5
4
13 ... ~xfS 14.Ctk3 0-0 1sJWd2 ltlhS 16.~e3

~g6t
Black could even be better here, as these
advanced pawns appear monstrous.
B322) 11.b4
12... d3 13.iJ4
l 3.f3 !xfS l 4.ctJc3 0-0 l 5.fxe4 !e6= looks
safer.
13.ctJc3 was tested in a recent correspondence

game: 13 ... !xfS 14.f3 0-0 l 5.fxe4 !e6
16.!gS !xc4 17.~hl
This looks like a logical reaction, trying to

keep the important c5-pawn.
Chapter 24 - Rossolimo - 4.iixc6t 457
Black has recon:Ted one of his pawns and has amassed a lot of troops against the enemy
has castled into safety. This position is quire king, and this fact makes rhe situation quite
important for Srelios' conception as a whole. perilous for White. Rerouting the bishop to
A general remark is that White's queenside g5 followed by placing the queen on h6 will
pawn mass will \\·in every endgame, but luckily create more concrete threats. This could be
this looks far crn·a\' for now. analysed further, but Black should have at least
enough to draw here.
14.igS
Black has several attacking ideas, and I will
just present a peculiar one I found with the
help of my silicon friend:
14 ... aS!? l 5.a3
After the erroneous l 5.Ct:Jd2? the reply
l 5 ... axb4 l 6.cxb4 \Wb8!-+ kills White, as
the threat of ... Ct:J g4 can be parried only by
surrendering the precious b4-pawn.
8 .i
a b c d e f g h
14.'tJa3 6
A logical recommendation of the engines,
bringing the knight quickly into play. However,
4
White also has a choice of bishop moves to try
and shield his king:
2
l 4.if4 can be met in the following manner:
14 ... \We8 (14 ... aS!? is also possible) 15.Ct:Jd2 a b c d e f ·g h
\Wg6 16.Ct:J2b3 Ct:Jh5 l 7.ig3 Ct:Jf4 18.f3
(18.Ct:Ja5 l'tJd3-;; 18.ixf4 gxf4 l 9.\Wc2 gaf8 l 5 ... ~c7! 16.ih4 ~f4 l 7.ig3 \Wh6
20.f3 igS 21.gae 1 \Wh6-;) Thus, rhe black queen has found her way to
rhe kingside.
l 8.Ct:Jd2 axb4 l 9.cxb4 Ct:Jh5! 20.Ct:J2b3
8 .i
7 /&~
/A,/
6
5
4
3
a b c d e f g h
l 8 ... ih4 l 9.ixf4 :Sxf4 20.\Wc2 :SafS~ Black a b c d e f g h
458
20 .. .Cthg3!? l 9.Wa4! This startling move forces Black to

20 .. .cLJf4 2 l.f3 (2 I.ixf4 Ehf4 22.g3 gf7 retreat, and after l 9 ... We8 20.Wa6!? White
looks bad for White) 2 l...ig5 gives Black a may prepare an exchange sacrifice on d3. I am
dangerous attack too. not convinced by Black's chances.
21.hxg3 if6 22.ga2 ie5 23.'11tfe2
23.a4?? gxf2!-+ On the other hand, l 5 ... i{}g4!? may well be an
23 ... ga4!t interesting alternative: l 6.ig3 (16.i{}xc6 ih4!
White is suffering from a strange paralysis is a major point) 16 ... hS l 7.h3 h4 l 8.ic7 gc8
on both flanks. l 9.hxg4 gxc7 20.CtJac2
a b c d e f g h
20 ... if6! 2 l .f4 (21.i{}e3 ie5 leaves White
a b c d e f g h in a precarious situation as ... Wg6-g5-f4 is
threatened) 21...exf3 22.gxf3 Wg6 00 This leads
I4 .. JWe8
to a complete mess.
This standard way of bringing the queen
into the attack looks best.
I6.ii.g3 aS!?
16 ... i{}f4 should also be fine for Black,
I5.ii.f4 ~hS!?
as now White is rather forced to take on f4.
Playing the knight to h5 rather than the
17 .ixf4 gxf4 18. /{) ac2 Wg6~ reaches the
queen to g6 is of great importance here.
position Black was aiming at with 15 ... Wg6.
15 ... Wg6 is inexact because of: 16.4hc2 i{}h5
17.ig3 i{}f4 18.i{}e3! i{}d3
a b c d e f g h
17.~ac2 axb4 18.cxb4 ~a4! 19.a3 ~xg3

20.hxg3 ~f6~
Black should be okay, as it is difficult
for White to make something out of those
queenside pawns without allowing significant
counterplay against his king. But even if I am
wrong, the improvements given above should
suffice to give Black excellent chances.
Conclusion
1his chapter saw White weaken our pawn

formation with 4.ixc6t, when the play
quickly becomes sharp m nature. One
disappointing moment was when I realized
the strength of 5.0-0 e5!? 6.c3! f5!? 7.d4!?
fxe4 8.tt:Jg5 cxd4 9.cxd4 d5 l O.tt:Jxe4!! for the
first player, but I could not resist presenting
my analysis as instructional material for the
readers. However, Black can choose either
8 ...if5!? or 8 ... d5 to avoid that line, with both
moves offering excellent chances.
The other main line of7.exf5 ie7!? 8.d4 e4!
leads to some crazy and imbalanced positions,
but as long as Black plays dynamically in the
middlegame, and doesn't allow White to swap
off into a superior ending, then he should be
in excellent shape.
2.~f3 ~c6
a b c d e f g h
Rossolimo - 4.0-0
Variation Index
l.e4 c5 2.CDf3 ctJc6 3.ib5 d6 4.0-0
4 ...id7
A) 5.c3 ctJf6 6.d4!? 'tJxe4 7.~el ctJf6 461
Al) 8.d5 462
A2) 8.ig5!? 464
B) 5.~el ctJf6 465
Bl) 6.h3 465
B2) 6.c3 a6 467
B21) 7.ixc6!? ixc6 8.d4 ixe4 9.ig5 ic6 IO.ixf6 gxf6
I1.d5 id7 468
B211) 12.ctJ bd2 470
B212) I2.ctJh4 471
B22) 7.ia4 b5!? 8.ic2 ig4 472
B221) 9.d3 473
B222) 9.a4 474
B23) 7.ifl ig4 476
B231) 8.d3 476
B232) 8.d4!? 480
B233) 8.h3 ixf3! 9.~xf3 e6! I0.d3 ie7!
11.~dlO-O 483
B2331) I2.ctJd2 486
B2332) I2.a4 487
Chapter 25 - Rossolimo - 4.0-0 461
l.e4 cS 2.ctJf3 ctJc6 3.~hS d6 4.0-0 - ... cxd4 8.~xd4 This transposes to the note
This is both the most common and the most on 5.~xd4 id7 6.c4!? examined at the start
critical continuation: White places his hopes of Chapter 23.
for an advantage on quick development. \\·irh
a follow-up that normally comprises the mows 5.d3 is a positional way of playing, but with
c2-c3 and d2-d4. Of course Black will nor sir and such slow means White cannot really hope for
watch with his arms crossed, so most probabl:· an advantage. I recommend: 5 ... g6 6.c3 ~f6
the first player will need additional prepararor:· 7.Bel ig7 8.h3 (8.d4 0-0 9.d5 ~e5 10.ixd7
moves such as Be 1 and h2-h3 to give his central ~fxd7=) 8 ... 0-0 9.~bd2
strategy a better chance of success.
4... ~d7
A) S.c3 and B) S.~el are the mam
possibilities, and in the majority of games \\·ill
transpose to each other. I will mention a few
other ideas just for the sake of completeness:
5.~c3 is not dangerous for us ..-\frer 5 ... g6!

Black will control the important dark squares
in the centre and obtain good play. One
a b c d e f g h
example where White tried to stir up some
action went: 6.f!el ig7 7.l:xc6 ixc6 8.e5 9 ... ~e5! 10.ixd7 ~fxd7= Black had achieved
ixf3 9.Vlixf3 ixe5 comfortable equality in Petr - Pa. Lerch,
Pardubice 2005.
A) S.c3 ctJf6
a b c d e f g h
10.Vlixb7 (10.d3 ~f8!? l 1.Vlixb7 ~g7=)
10 ... ~f6 l 1.Vlic6t ~d7 12.d3 0-0 13.ih6
f!e8~ Black stood fine in R. Popov - Golubev,
Internet 2005.
a b c d e f g h
5.c4 ~f6 6.~c3 e6 7.d4 (An attempt to deviate This will transpose to Variation B2 after
is 7.ixc6ixc6 8.Vlie2, but Black could consider 6.Ei'.e 1, but White has an extra option:
keeping the centre closed with 8 ... e5!? 00
with an interesting struggle in prospect.) 6.d4!?
462
Sacrificing thee-pawn for quick development 11...~bxdS 12.~bS e6 13.~a4 ~d7 14.c4??
and pressure in the centre. l 4.ixd6 was a better practical chance, but
14 ... a6 15.~xf8 :txf8 16.c4 '1Jb6 17.~a3
6.. .Cthe4 We7 1s.cuc3 CtJxc4 19.i~b3 t2la5 20.~b6
White has two main possibilities: '1Jc6+ would still have been close to winning
for Black.
7.~el
14 ... LtJxf4 1Sj:fadl c2Jg6 16.CtJg5 ie7-+
If I were Black I would be more worried
Black had a huge material advantage 111
about this, but the truth is that with prudent
Tabatt - Caruana, Gibraltar 2011, and went
play the second player will easily repel the
on to convert it easilv.
pressure no matter which line White chooses.
7.d5
Rather innocuous, as the position becomes
less open. With only one file available it is
quite unlikely that White will manage to
generate serious pressure.
a b c d e f g h
7 .. .CtJf6
7 ... d5!?= may be just as good; I haven't been
able to discover any advantage for White.
a b c d e f g h
7 .. .CDe5 8.ixd7t LtJxd7 9.if4 LtJef6 10.Ei'.el Some interesting possibilities arise after both
ltJ b6 l l.LtJa3? Al) 8.dS and A2) 8.~gS!?.
l l.c4! g6 12.LtJc3 ig7 13.iWd3 0-0
l 4.h3~ gives White some compensation, Al) 8.dS 'DeS 9.~fl!N
but whether it is fully sufficient is another
question. Sacrificing a second pawn is much 9.ixd7t?! ltJexd7 10.LtJa3! c2lb6! l l.ig5!
more than his position can tolerate.
a b c d e f g h
11...ct:JfxdS! 12.Wb3 h6 13.gh4 g5 14.ig3 I4 ...Wxd7 1s.'\Wf3 ~hf8! I6.'1Wh3

e6 l 5Jhd 1 ie7+ was fine for Black m l 6.c4 gae8 l 7.ctJc3 dS l 8.if4 ~g8 19.gad 1
Kr. Georgiev - Tukmakov, Chania 1992. id6 20.ixd6 Wxd6=
9.. .c2hf3 t 10.'1Wxf3 16 ... dS l 7.c4! ~ae8
White has some compensation for the pawn Black is fine, provided he takes care to avoid
according to Tukmakov. I think that Black a bad bishop versus good knight scenario.
equalizes rather easily by:
1s.i,gs
10 ... eS! l l.dxe6 fxe6 12.'1Wxb7 i,e7 13.i,bs White is trying to increase the pressure
@f7 against the hanging pawns, but Black has a
defence.
l 8.ctJc3 d4 19.ctJe4 ~g8 20.id2 ctJxe4

21.E'.xe4 gd6
111is is fine for the second player, as the
pressure against e6 cannot lead to anything
in the absence of knights. A sample line is:
8
7
6
~,
,,
?
5
a b c d e f g h 4
14.i,xd7!
14.id3 dS! l 5.if4 c4 l 6.ic2 icS 17.~d2
a5 l 8.~c7 Wxc7 19.ixc7 :Shc8 20.ieS a4x
is a rough ending for both sides, bur I like our a b c d e f g h
pressure against b2.
22.gael ~f7
464 2. LtJ f3 LtJ cG
Also possible is 22 .. Jff6 23.gh4 (23.~d3?! Al) 8.~gS!?

~f7! 24.f3 ~hS!~ with the idea 25.h3
~g6!; 23.f4 ~f7 24.g3 ic7 25.b3 a5=)
23 ... h6 2H~g4 si?hs 25.~d3 ~f7! 26.f.3
ic7 27.b3 aS 28.~e4 gb8 29.~c6 Vlle7
30.h3 ~d6 3 l .~xd6 ixd6=
23.f3 eS
Black's 'bad' bishop defends the whole
structure and I cannot see any progress
for White. This happens because White's
own bishop, albeit a good one, is not agile
enough to take advantage of our weaknesses,
especially in a middlegame.
24.b3 ic7 25.gg4 ~e6 26.~h4 gf7=
The engines consider Black to be slightly a b c d e f g h
better, but I think it's just equal; White will More development! I think this is the only
always find something on the kingside to move to cause Black some embarrassment.
distract us from carrying out a successful
... a5-a4. 8 ... h6!?
Tukmakov's old suggestion seems best here.
I8 ... h6 I9.~h4 ~d8! 20.Ctk3 @g8 21.cxdS
21.gadl ~b7 22.ge2 l2Jh5~ 8 ... a6 9.ia4 dS?! 10.ixf6 gxf6 11.dxcS e6
12.~xdS ~e7 13.~d3 0-0-0
2I...C£lxd5 22Jfadl
22 .ixd8 t2J f4~
a b c d e f g h
14.b4! l2Jxb4 l 5.cxb4 ixa4 16.~e3 hS l 7.l2Jc3
ih6 18.~e2 ic6 l 9.a4± led to a bad position
for Black in Jusic - Predojevic, Zadar 2013.
9.~xf6 gxf6
This position is quite complicated but Black
should be fine. For example:
23 ... 'iJf4 24JWg4 ~xh4 2s.\Wxh4 c4 26.'iJd6
\Wg6 27.\Wg3 \Wc2 28.\We3 \Wg6 29.\Wg3=
10.ixc6 ixc6 11.dS id7 12.Wd3 Wc7 White can continue with either Bl) 6.h3 or
L3.ct:J bd2 0-0-0 14.b4 mb8 l 5.c4 gg8 B2) 6.c3.
16.gab 1 ma8~ is merely unclear.
Bl) 6.h3
1O.d5 ctJe5 l l .ctJxe5 dxe5 l 2.a4 gg8 l 3.c4 a6
14.ixd7t Wxd7 15.ctJd 0-0-0 16.a5 Wg4 This has been played at both amateur and
shouldn't scare Black either. grandmaster level, but it is slow and I think
Black can meet it in various ways.
10 ... cxd4 11.ctJe4!
l l.cxd4 d5 12.Wb3 a6 13.ifl ic8 looks 6 ... e6
quite safe. I believe this standard reaction gives us a
good game. Alternatively:
I don't like 6 ... g6 7.c3 ig7 (7 ... ct:Je5 8.ifl

[8.ie2!?] 8 ... ct:Jxf3t 9.Wxf3 ig7 1O.d4 cxd4
l l .cxd4±) 8.d4 0-0 9.ifl cxd4 1O.cxd4 d5
l l .e5 ct:Je4 due to l 2.Wb3!?, forcing Black
to weaken his dark squares with l 2 ... e6.
After 13.ctJd! ctJa5 l 4.Wa3 (l 4.Wb4 Wb6!=)
14 ... ct:Jxd (l 4 ... ic6 l 5.id3!±) 15.Wxd gc8
16.Wd2 ct:Jc4 17.Wdl± I believe that White has
an edge, as he has a clear plan to attack on the
kingside and I don't see too much counterplay
for Black on the other wing.
6 ... a6!? is acceptable. 7.ifl e6 8.c3 ie7 9.d4

cxd4 10.cxd4 d5 l l.e5 ct:Je4 12.ct:Jbd2 (12.ct:Jd
ctJxc3 13.bxd ctJa5~) l 2 ... ct:Jxd2 l 3.ixd2
B) 5.El:el ctJf6
a b c d e f g h
13 ... Wb6! An important move, forcing the

bishop to the clumsy c3-square. 14.id
0-0 15.id3 gac8 16.Wbl h6 17.Wdl ib4!
a b c d e f g h l 8.ct:Jh2 fxc3 19.bxd
466 2.~f3 ~cG
White's slight advantage in development

amounts to nothing in such a closed position.
8 .. .lthf3 t 9 .1.Wxf3
a b c d e f g h
19 ... ctJe7! 20.gbl Vifc7 21.ctJg4 ibS! It is
important for Black to trade off the d3-bishop
as it breaks the force ofWhite's attack. 22.ixbS
axbS 23.ge3 ctJfS= Black had managed to
neutralize White's slight opening pressure and
obtain an excellent position in Bartel - Eliseev,
St Petersburg 2012. a b c d e f g h
9 ... i,c6!?
7.c3 ttJeS! This is the point, deploying the bishop
The right moment for this move, preventing quickly to the long diagonal to pressurize
White from obtaining a proud pawn centre. White's e4-pawn.
10.d3!?
A solid move which reduces the radius of the
bishop.
10.d4
8 E ~ffl.j_ E
l'.i
'''
7
6
5
/,.
.j_ ,~' .~
4 {j b
a b c d e f g h 3 b .ii b
s.i,fl! 2 bb fj b
Adhering to the rule that he who has more MlZJ.·~ M~@
space should avoid too many exchanges. a b d e f h
C g
8.ixd7t?! Vifxd7 9.d4 cxd4 10.cxd4 4Jxf3t 10 ... ie7!

l l .Vifxf3 d5 12.eS 4Jg8!+ is better for Black, This looks fine for Black.
who has the superior bishop and no weaknesses. 10 ... dS 11.exdS ~:WxdS 12.VifxdS ctJxdS l 3.c4
ctJ b4 14.dS ld7 looks natural, but White
is slightly better after l 5.:Si'.e2! 0-0-0 16.a3 10 ... i,e? 11.a4 0-0 I2.lt:Jd2 lt:Jd7! 13.d4
'2la6 17.igS! f6 18.dxeG ixe6 19.8xe6 fxg5 We have been following A. Rombaldoni -
20.'Lld±. Kotronias, Warsaw 2013, when I should have
White is also a bit better in case of 1O... cxd4 played:
l l.cxd4 d5 12.e5 'Lle4 13.'Lld±.
l l .dxc5
l 1.id3 0-0 l 2.ie3 Vff c7 13.'Lld2 b5=
11...dxcS 12.'Lld2 0-0 13.Vfig3 'Llh5 14.~h2
l 4.Vff f3 l2l f6=
a b c d e f g h
13 .. JkS!N
a b c d e f g h It is difficult for White to untangle himself
in the centre. The engines give the following
14 ... idG! l 5.e5 ic7 l 6.ie2
variation:
l 6.'2lc4 f6 l 7.g4?! b5!t is at least equal for
the second player.
14.i,d3 cxd4 15.cxd4 h6 16.aS a6 17JWg3
16 ... '2lf6 l 7.Vffg3 '2ld7 l 8.'Llf3 f6! l 9.ic4
®h8 18.lt:Jf3 lt:Jf6 19.dS exdS 20.exdS i,xdS
~h8 20.ixe6 'Llxe5 21.'Llxe5 fxe5! 22.Vffg4
21.i,xh6 gxh6 22.~h4 lt:Jg8 23.~d4t lt:Jf6=
I am sure Black has other ways to play as
well, and chat allowing the draw is not forced.
B2) 6.c3
a b c d e f g h
22 ... V!ieS! 23.ib3
23.ie3?? h5-+
23 ... e4 24.Vff eG VffxeG 25.ixeG 8ae8 26.ig4
if4! 27.ixf4 :Sxf4 28.8adl 8f7=
Leading to a balanced endgame. This line is
by no means forced, but it illustrates some fine
positional ideas for Black. a b c d e f g h
468
This is the important main line, with White 9 ... ~c6

trying to set up a strong centre right away. This is the safest move.
6 ... a6 9 ... id5

By putting the question to the white bishop, Proposed by Tiger Hillarp Persson in £'\perts
Black wants to relieve the pressure against c6 on the Anti-SiciDmz, bur I don't like it due to:
and free the d7-bishop from defending it. In
that way, he will be able to deploy his own 8 .i ~~.i. i.
bishop on g4 and fight for control of the all-
' ' ' ''''

7
important d4-square.
6 II)
Both B21) 7.1hc6!? and B22) 7.~a4
5 i.i. ~
are important alternatives to the main 4 fj
continuation of B23) 7.~fl. 3 fj ~
2 fj fj fj fj d
B21) 7.~xc6!? ~xc6 8.d4
M~ °ifM
a b C d e f
w
0- h
I:::
A pawn sacrifice that leads to tense positions,
with chances for both sides. Black should of 1O.c4!? ixc4
course accept the gift: 10 ... ixB l l.°1Wxf3 cxd4 12.~xb7 ~c8
13.~f.3 e5 14.ixfG gxf6 l 5.c5 is mentioned
8 ... ~xe4 9 .~gS as something to avoid by Tiger, and looked
Developing with gain of time. uncomfortable for Black in the subsequent
game Tseitlin - Axelrod, Israel 2012.
A mistaken way to proceed is 9.c4?!, because l l .4Jc3 cxd4
Black is allowed to move his e-pawn with 11...ieG 12.dxc5 dxc5 I3.~a4t b5 14.~h4
impunity. 9 ... e6 10.ig5 is a position where Black's kingside looks
paralysed.
11...eG 12.ixfG! gxf6 13.d5! e5 14.4Jh4
ib5 l 5.4Je4 id7 16.~hScc is the old main
line from Martinovic - Anand, Groningen
1989, but this position, albeit tenable, is not
to my liking because of the weakness of the
f5-square.
a b c d e f g h "·,
5 {'.;):
I O... ig6! l I .ixf6 gxf6+ White does not have
compensation for the pawn; Black has two 4
bishops and his kingside looks like a fortress, 3

defended by the one on g6. 2
a b c d e f g h
12.lL.xd---±'. was excellent for Black in Klima - Markos,

Tiger cF:l·.· :~1;:-ntions the unnatural 12.1Mfxd4. Poruba 2013.
prm·idin:= "' :-dt.ttation of it. 13 ... gb8 14.'\Wxa6 gxb2!?
The com~"):..:t;:-rs evaluate this as up to +0.20 Also possible is l 4 ... ig7 l 5.ct:Ja3 0-0
in \\.hire"·, r~1rnur despite being two pawns 16.ct:J bS fSoc with a double-edged fight.
do\\"11. surd~- a bad sign for our position. 15.ct:Ja3
12 ... e6: l 5.°1Wc6t °1Wd7 l 6."tM!a8t °1Wd8= leads to an
12 ... 6'. i~ more resistant according to the immediate draw.
engines. bur still scary after something like
13.~H ~~=e6 l 4.cthe6 fxe6 1SJ:hd lt. 8
13.ixf6 '·~xf6 14.'\Wa4t bS 15.ctJdxbS l=xb5 7
16.ct:JxbS+-
6
Black could already resign in Li Chao - Bu
5
Xiangzhi. Shenzhen 201 1.
4
~'::%/
/U"/•.
3
8 :i~ ~·~ / // / //,, / /, /?/////
:i 2
7
6
5
,•..tr~
W%&
:::r% •
1• T ~'. ' '

w~
///»C:
::~
:%://.'.~
;/,,;//0_
;:
•
;:,,,,/
~
,
f;: ~
, ;:
L,:%
~
:jfff'.X
};;•.
~
~
a
l 5 ... ig7N
b c d e f g h
4 ~ ;-:~~
W%
'X/'.///, ~
.. ,/ } 15 ... ih6 16.°1Wc6t °1Wd7 17.°1Wa8t °1Wd8
l 8."tM!e4± was better for White in Markovic
~~ ~
3 %~;::: ;:,,;:: .-- ~ - Bogosavljevic, Vrnjacka Banja 2012, even
2 fj r~ff~ fj fj i/ff~ 0
if only slighrly.
/,,,,/
'.'.'""'//,,,,//•"/" /
I don't think White has anything better than
/,~~;:'.~'./
~--j· t if: .~__ ;, to take the draw by perpetual:
a b c d e f g h 16.'\Wa4t °1Wd7
16 ... ~f8 17.gebl±
10.~xf6
This looks like the critical test. White gives l 7.°1Wa8t=
up his remaining bishop. bur hopes for a
squeeze starting with d4-d5 next move. I o... gxf6 11.dS
Practically forced, so as to decrease the scope
1O.c4 cxd4 11.ixf6 of the bishops.
l l.ctJxd4 e6 gives balanced chances m an
11.ct:Jh4?! cxd4 12.cxd4 dS 13.ct:Jc3 °1Wd7+ 1s
unclear position.
l 1... ixf3! l 2.°1Wxf3 gxf6 better for Black.
Compared to the note on 9 ... idS, White
has already committed himself to the ixf6 11...~d7
This position is complicated, bur I think
capture. This actually leads to positions that
are more or less okay for Black, with an Black has good chances.
Let us explore both possibilities:
example being:
B211) 12.CtJ bd2 and B212) 12.CtJh4.
13.°1Wxb7
13.1Mfxf6 gg8 l 4.'\Wxd4 ig7 l 5.°1Wd2 gc8~
470
12.c4 takes away the c4-square from the white n~

1 e2 ie5 was unclear in Silva - Dutra
knight and looks a bit slow to me. I recommend Neto, corr. 2011.
simply 12 ... ggS 13.CtJc3 f5 restraining the 14.ctJe4 0-0-0 15.bxcS!
white knights, with the better game for Black. l 5.a4 f5 16.ctJegS gg7 17.bS (l 7.°1Wd3 h6
l 8.ctJh3 gg4+) 17 ... °IWaS! l 8.c4 h6 l 9.ctJh3
B211) IV':tJbd2 gg4+ gives Black the much better game.
15 ... dxcS l 6.c4 f5 l 7.d6 exd6 l 8.ctJf6 gg6
Black should prepare long castling:
19.ctJdS °1Wa5 20.gbl ge6
12 ...1Mfc7 With a complicated position where I believe
in Black's chances.
13.a4 tries to create a square on c4 for the

knight, so Black should not castle immediately:
a b c d e f g h
13.CtJh4! a b c d e f g h
In my opinion this positional choice 1s
13 ... ggS!N (13 ... 0-0-0 l 4.ctJc4 e6? l 5.b4
strongest, but it is not the only idea. exd5 l 6.ctJe3± as in Orlov - Lobzhanidze,
Germany 2010, is exactly what Black should
13.b4 avoid.) 14.ctJc4 e5!? l 5.°1Wd3 0-0-0 16.°1Wxh7
White tries to open lines on the queenside
ggJ l 7.°1Wc2 f5 18.b4 f4 Leading to a wild
before Black castles there:
race, the consequences of which are difficult
to evaluate.
13 ... ggS
13 .. .fS!? 14.!tJgS h5! 15.gcl ig7 16.h4 gc8
13 .. J~g8!N 15.Whs .ig4 16.Wxh7 gg7 17.Whs fS 18.f3

Black is fighting against the \Wh5 idea.
~.~~ ~
13 ... 0-0-0 14.IWhS! Ei'.g8 8
7
6
n!ta "mn1r/,n
Tn, %If,•
•
%
sg •cin,n
3-~~-:.
4
2
1
n ntZJn..t~
cif!] R
~lif
/,,,,,Y ~
%~ ~9 ~~f
Rcif!]
/,,,,,Y /,,,,,/,
%
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
1s ... fxe4! 19.fxg4 gxg4 20.Whs Wd7
l 5.f3! (15.\Wxf7 Ei'.g7 16.IWhS ig4 l 7.\Wh6
21.CLJfS gf4 22.CLJg3 .ig7 23.gxe4 gxe4
if3!+) l 5 ... Ei'.g7 16.ctJe4 ~b8 17.~hl 1Wc8
24.CLJxe4 .ieS 25.Wxf7 Whs 26.gbl We2
l 8.g4 c4 19.Ei:adl~ is the kind of squeeze I
27.Wf3 Wxf3 28.gxf3 ggst 29.@f2 .ixh2=
would like to avoid.
B212) 12.ctJh4
14.CDe4
14.IWhS!? Ei'.g5 l 5.\Wxh7 Ei'.xd5 l 6.ctJe4
a b c d e f g h
16 ... Ei:eS! l 7.f4 Ei:e6 l 8.ctJg6 fxg6 l 9.1Wxg6t

~d8 20.\Wf7 \Wb8 2 l .1Wxf8t ~c7+ is a brilliant This positionally well-founded move starts
line worth remembering, and is the tactical an immediate siege of the important light
justification of Black's 13th. squares f5 and h5.
14 ... 0-0-0 12 ... ggS!

When the knight goes to e4 we are not at Once more the key move, fighting against
such a great risk of falling under an attack on \Wh5.
the queenside.
472
13.~d3 17 ... ~gS 18.ctJe3 fS 19.f4 ~hS! 20.g3

This looks like a good square for the queen. 20.liif3 e5f
13.IWhS?! Ei'.g5 14.\Wf3 (14.\Wxh 7 gxd5)

14 ... ~g4 15.\Wd3
a b c d e f g h
20 ... ~xh4 21.gxh4 ~h6~
I believe that Black has the better practical
chances, as his king is the safer one and he has
a good attack for the exchange. The computer
13.\Wf3 happened in Neelotpal - Sethuraman, says it's about even, but who cares?
Kavala 2012, and here Black played the rather
illogical 13 ... \Wb6?!. I prefer: B22) 7.~a4
a b c d e f g h
13 ... ~c7 14.Clld2 0-0-0 15.~xh7 ~g7 We'll now analyse this important retreat.
16.~d3 e6!
In this position ... e6 does work. 7 ... bS!?
This gives White a target with which to open
17.CDc4 the a-file later on, but Black has the consolation
17.Ei'.ab 1 f5+ that the bishop ends on a rather passive square.
8.~c2 23.bxa3 i1Ja5+±) l 7 ... cxd4 (l 7 ... i1Jc4!?

8.ib3 provokes Black into playing ... c4, l 8.dxc5 i1Jxe3 l 9.Wxe3 dxc5 20.8edl Wc7
which I think it is something he would like to 2 l .Wxc5 i1Je5 22.Wxc7 i1Jxf3t 23.gxf3 8xc7
do anyway: 8 ... c4 9.ic2 should be drawable as well) l 8.cxd4 i1Jc4
19.id3 i1Jxe3 20.fxe3 i1Jb4 21.8xc8 Wxc8
22.ib 1 Wb7 23.a3 i1Jc6 with the idea ... a4.
The text was played in Tiviakov - Spoelman,
Amsterdam 2014, and now Black has an
interesting idea:
7.•i~
8 ~~~-
·'i)·i·i
-8~ ~i~
6 a~•W ~11
•~ci,;&I;:::•:: m%: %%/#%%
a b c d e f g h
s~i~
:;:;:g;,::, ww'/~ ~wa
~
,;;/,%/
4 ~.
9 ... g6! 10.b3 i1Jg4 l l.i1Ja3 i1Jce5 12.h3 i1Jxf3t
l 3.Wxf3 i1Je5 l 4.We2 8c8 l 5.bxc4 bxc4 l 6.f4
3 {~ ~8~V-8
~f{f;, r+1 c:,;~ ~f{fi A ~
i1Jd3 l 7.ixd3 cxd3 l 8.Wxd3 ih6~ Black
2
Yw4
tu~~·
~~;:;
.. .rUo~
~~d ~
has full compensation for the pawn, yet the 1 ~ r~ r~ g
position requires practical tests. a b c d e f g h
l 5 ... c4!N l 6.d4
8 ...~g4 16.dxc4 i1Jce5 l 7.We2 i1Jxc4 18.i1Jxc4 bxc4
By pinning the knight, Black makes White's looks a bit better for Black.
life difficult. The plan with d2-d4 has been 16 ... e5! l 7.d5 i1Ja5!
stopped, and the first player should seek l 7 ... i1Je7 18.g4!t stifles the e7-knight.
play via an opening of the a-file. He can try 18.a4 i1Jb7! 19.axb5 axb5 20.We2 if6!=
the preparatory B221) 9.d3 or continue Black's knights are superbly placed, and the
immediately with B222) 9.a4. impending exchange of bishops on g5 deprives
White of real chances of an advantage.
9.h3 ixf3 10.Wxf3 g6 l l.d3!
11.~dl ih6! 12.d3 ixcl 13.Wxcl 0-0
B221) 9.d3
14.~h6 e6 l 5.i1Jd2 i1Jd7 16.f4 Wf6 l 7.i1Jf3
8ac8= is perfectly fine for Black.
l l .a4 transposes to the note to White's 10th
move in variation B222.
l l...ig7 12.ie3 0-0 13.i1Jd2
13.Wd 1?! i1Jd7 l 4.d4 cxd4 l 5.cxd4 e5!+
l 3 ... i1Jd7 l 4.8acl 8c8! l 5.a3
I think l 5.We2!? is a bit better, preventing
the idea I am going to mention below. Still,
Black should be fine: 15 ... i1Jb6 16.i1Jf3 a5
17.d4 (17.a4 4Jxa4 18.ixa4 bxa4 19.8al
Wd7=; 17.a3 a4 18.8cdl Wc7 19.h4 b4
20.cxb4 cxb4 21.ib 1 Wb7 22.h5 bxa3
a b c d e f g h
474
This approach looks rather slow. B222) 9.a4
9 ... e6 10.~bd2
White's latest try is 1O.ie3!?, but it can
hardly change the evaluation of the structure
as being excellent for us. I would recommend
10 ... ie7 l 1.ctJbd2 0-0 12.h3 ih5= with
equal chances.
10 ... ie7 11.h3 ihS 12.~fl dS!?

Black has a solid position, and can play to
win by utilizing his space advantage on the
queenside.
13.~g3 ig6 14.~h4 0-0 15.exdS a b c d e f g h

l 5.f4?! d4! 16.f5?! ih5! l 7.ctJxh5 ctJxh5+ This can be dangerous, even for experienced
grandmasters. Black is relatively undeveloped,
15.cthgG hxg6 16.e5 ltJd7 I 7.d4 ~ks 18.ctJe2 and should seek a way to quickly bring our his
b4 l 9.id3 bxc3 20.bxc3 ~a5 2 l .id2 cxd4 kingside pieces and castle without making any
22.cxd4 ib4 23.ixb4 ctJxb4 24.a3 ctJxd3 concessions.
25.~xd3 ~c4+ was better for Black in
Pavasovic - Petkov, Zadar 2005. 9 ... g6!
Tiger also recommends this move in Experts,
e ~~••u
i.B
n•• •.
and I think he is right. The attack on b5 is
s LJ /
7R R ~a•.t.
Y, .~
something that can be dealt with.
5.r.ra
6
4
.t.
U
~ B
~ B
~ fD
.t.\lftR~
.... /
10.axbS
This immediate recapture looks logical, but
Black's position is sound enough to resist any
kind of pressure.
3 U ~ f j - h}fj
• Y,.,,,Y, • //..•••
1O.h3 ixf3 l l .~xf3
2 t~1LR
f"'l ·,%?}{% %f'"{~tU
·\%'. '.%'./,.f%%
1 ~13 ~V~l3 ~ 8 .i ~~j_ .·Ii
' '' '' '

7
a b c d e f g h
6
15 .. JWxdS 16.~xg6 hxg6 17.if4 gfd8 I.I) ' I.I) '
5
18.'\We2 ~hS! 19.~xhS lMlxhS 20.lM!e4 lMldS
21.lMfxdS exdS 22.idl gS 23.ih2 id6= 4 fj fj
By exchanging dark-squared bishops Black 3 . fj °ff fj
had reached a pleasant ending in Smirin - 2 fj ~ fj fj fj
Tiviakov, Gothenburg 2005.
M~~ M @
a b c d e f g h
11 ... E!'.bS!
In Maciej a - Kotronias, Patras 2014, I forgot
my preparation and blundered horribly
with: l l...ig7?? 12.axb5 axb5 13.e5 l2id7
l 4.Bxa8 ®xa8 15.exd6 e6 16.ie4 l2ide5
l 7.®e2 ®a6 18.lLla3 lLla7 l 9.d4+- I guess
sometimes chess players want to kill guys
who make noise in the room next to the
playing hall, but this should be the topic of
another book.
12.axbS axbS l 3.lLla3
a b c d e f g h
10 ... axbS 11.El:xa8 °1Wxa8
White only has a temporary initiative. Once
Black castles he may even be better a pawn
down!
1Vth3
Attacking bS directly makes sense.
a b c d e f g h I had also looked at: 12.h3 ixf3 13.®xf3 ig7

14.eS dxeS 15.BxeS l2id7 16.Be 1 0-0 l 7.ie4
l 3 ... l2id7!
This is the move I could not remember when
thinking about my 11th, even after a full
twenty minutes!
Had I read £.:perts on the Anti-Sicilian,
I might have at least remembered Tiger's
recommendation of 13 ... ~a5, which is good
enough for equality but not as easy as my
own move. I am sure Macieja wanted to
surprise me had I followed Tiger's path, with
one possible way being l 4.b4!? cxb4 l 5.cxb4
~b6 16.lLlxbS, although Black looks okay a b c d e f g h
after 16 ... ig7! 17 .ib2 0-0~.
17 ... lLldeS! (17 ... Bc8!? l 8.lLla3 [ l 8.ixc6?
After l 3 ... l2id7! Black is absolutely fine and
~hc6 19.Bxe7 lLleS+ is horrible for White]
can even play for a win. The computer finds
18 ... lLldeS l 9.~e3! is less impressive) 18.®e3
nothing better than:
c4 l 9.f4 Otherwise Black unpins himself with
14.~e2 ~b6 l 5.id3 c4 16.ic2 lLlcS l 7.d4
... ~a6. l 9 .. .Ctld3 20.ixd3 cxd3 2 l.~xd3 b4
cxd3 18 .ixd3 lLl xd3 19. ~ xd3 ig 7
22.~e4 e6 23.d4 ~a6~ Black had fantastic
Black has an aesthetically pleasing position
compensation for the pawn in Tauber - Raivio,
with strong potential.
email 2011.
476
B23) 7.iJI .ig4

k . ht so as t 0 make
Again the A mg
Blac k Pins·na. .
posiuona l fiaht
b .
with
full
d2
-d4 less appeali o will soon be 111
. l n uances
seve ral tacnca
swing.
h .
ch 01ce between B231) 8.d3,
White as a d B233) 8.h3.
B232) 8.d4!? an
B231) 8.d3
8 ... e6 k wi·11 obtain a good game.

Blac
9 ... ~h5'.: ~f6 16.ctJfl b4 17.c4 c2Jd4 18.ctJxd4 ixd4t

9 ... ixO 1O.'·~-'xtJ le7 is a direct transposition 19.~h 1 f5= play was balanced in S. Kasparov
to Yariarion B233. - Kotronias, Vrachati 2011.
10.g4 )=g6 1 1.:'::_h4 c2Jd7
I don·r see any problem with the black
posirion. For example:
l 2.g5'.?
l 2 ...:2._g2 allowed Black to grab some dark
squares with l 2 ... e5 l 3.ctJa3 ie7 l 4.c2Jc4 h5
15 ..:'2.cd hxg4 16.hxg4 ~g5 17.ctJd5 ixcl
18.gxcl i;::f8 19.°1Wf3 °1Wg5=, when he stood
fine in Rublevsky- Khalifman, Cesme 2004.
12 ... ie7 13.f4
a b c d e f g h
11 ....ig6 12.d4! cxd4 I3.cxd4 .ie7! 14.dS
~ce5
We have reached a position that has been
advocated by Topalov amongst others. In my
opinion the following lines verify that Black
enjoys equality:
a b c d e f g h
13 ... ctJfS!?N
Black seems okay to me, as ... f6 is threatened.
Houdini gives the following continuation:
l 4.d4 cxd4 l 5.cxd4 d5 l 6.exd5 °1Wxd5 l 7.ie3
ixb 1 18.8'.xb 1 Ltlg6 l 9.ig2 °1Wxa2 20.Ltlxg6
hxg6 2 l.d5
2 l .°1Wc2 c2Jb4 22.°1Wc7 gdS 23.8'.al °1Wb3
24.°\Wxb7 °\Wc4 25.8'.acl °1Wb5 26.°1Wxb5t
axb5=
21 ... gdS 22.ib6 0-0!~
Summing up, 13 ... ctJfS!? is a new move that
needs some more analysis, bur at first look a b c d e f g h
it seems that White does not have anything
serious against it. 15.~xeS
The prudent choice for White, avoiding
9 ... ~d7! 10.hJ .ihs 11.g4 complications.
l l .ie2 was too passive a treatment by White
in one of my own games, and after l l ... ie7 l 5.dxe6?! fxe6 l 6.4Jd4?! is strongly met by
l 2.ctJh2 ixe2 l 3.°1Wxe2 b5 l 4.f4 0-0 l 5.ctJhf3 16 ... ih4!t, when only Black can be better.
478
l 5.C2id4!?
Black should react dynamically:
15 ... exdS 16.exd5 2'.c8!
The tactics are on Black's side and seem to
ensure at least equality.
l 7.4J2b3!?
l 7.f4 'Wb6! 18.lt.Je4 0-0 (l 8 ... °Wxd4 t!?)
19.lt.Jf2 is okay for us after either 19 ... °Wxd4
or 19 ... igS!?.
With the help of computers I discovered
the following brilliant sequence, which a b c d e f g h
reminded me of a painting by Van Gogh: 28 ... lt.Jd3t!! 29.ixd3 gh2t 30.~g3 2'.g2t!
31.<±ixg2 °Wxg4t 32.<±if2 ih4t 33.~e3 ig5t
And this is the third one, surpassing any
possible imagination. Sheer brilliance!
15 ... dxeS
This is forced, but Black should not mind
the doubled pawns as he gets a lot of activity
for his pieces.
t6.lDf3!
This has been played by Zhang Zhong and is
a b c d e f g h
the best move. Black should not overestimate
17 ... hS! l 8.f4 hxg4 l 9.fxe5 his chances.
l 9.hxg4 2'.h4 will transpose.
19 ... 4.JxeS 20.hxg4 2'.h4! 2 l .ie2 16. dxe6 fxe6 17. lt.J f3
21.2'.e2 °Wd7~ 17 .ic4 ltJ c5 is rather pleasant for Black.
21...°Wb6
21...if6!?
22.id2!?
22.ie3 ie4 23.g5 2'.c2!! 24.lt.Jxc2 ah 1t
25.<±if2 2'.h2t leads to a perpetual.
22 ... ie4 23.2'.cl
23.iaS 2'.hl t 24.<±if2 2'.h3!! 25.ibSt °Wxb5
26.lt.Jxb5 2'.c2t 27.°Wxc2 lt.Jxg4 t 28.<±ifl
2'.hlt 29.<±ie2 2'.h2t 30.<±ifl= is a second
perpetual, more brilliant than the first one.
23 ... <±id7! 24.2'.xc8 ixd5!! 25.<±if2 ixb3
26.iaS! °Wxa5 27.lt.Jxb3 'Wb4! 28.°Wcl
l 7 ... 2'.c8
Black has an excellent position, as he can
always defend e6 with ... 2'.c6.
18.b3
18.We2 E&c6 19.E&dl 'Wc7 20.id2 0-0 Zhong - Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 2004, White
21.E&acl 'Dc5 22.ic3 id6! 23.E&xd6! Wxd6 should have simply played:
24.E&d 1 We7 25.'Dxe5 E&cc8 26.1We3 gfd8
27.id4 We8? is unclear.
18 ... 0-0 l 9.ig2
19.ic4 E&c6!
a b c d e f g h
19.Wxb7!?N 'Dc5 20.\Wb4!± There isn't full
I8.'tJh4!?
18.d6 if8 makes the advanced pawn a
target.
18.dxe6 'Dc5 19.\Wxd8t ixd8 20.ie3 'Dxe6

21.ic4
I6 ... ~c8 I7.b3
a b c d e f g h
21 .. Jfxc4! 22.bxc4 ixe4 23.CDd2 ic6~ leads

to excellent compensation for Black as ... h5 is
on the cards.
a b c d e f g h
I7 ... f6??N 18 ... exdS I9.'tJxg6
19 .exd5 ~d6 will transpose.
My proposed novelty, defending e5 and
coordinating the pieces.
19.Wfxd5 'Dc5 20.~e3 '1Wxd5 2 l.exd5 ~d7
After the rash 17 ... exd5?! 18.\Wxd5 f6 in Zhang 22.E&acl 'De4 23.'Dxg6 hxg6 24.~d3 f5
25 .i xe4 fxe4 26 

28J~ec2 gxc2 2 . g2 ib4 27 g 2
bS 32 f4 \Ii 9.l'lxc2 l'leS 30 g 4. e \lid6
35_@f3 4 xd5 33.l'lxe5t l'lx;5 c a5 31.l'lxe4
a = is a dead draw. 34.fxe5 xe5
19... hxg6
~cS 20
23.1%1.exdS il.d6 21.~d3 @f722.il.d2
e f g h
gives Black strong
B232) 8.d4':> ..
g h
~
15 ... Wb6! 16.We4?!
8
~i a'I) 'l)•a•a
·~·-- ~l 16.We2+
7
6
xi,,,,/,R/,,,,,/,* l 6 ... Wc6!+ l 7.We2 ct'lxe 1! 18.Wxel e5 19.ct'lc3
lc5 20.ct'le4 .id4 21..igS 0-0 22.gcl ct'lc5!
0 23.ct'lxcS .ixc5
5 ~·
' ~%~~
. {wtj ~Ji I went on to win in Howell - Kotronias,
Warsaw 2013.
4 ?)31-~%. "
3 .• .~ ~-~ ;~
2 £j fj R ~fj
:~~ i~il~
a b c d e f g h
12 .. )bxd4!
Otherwise he will most like!:· end up in a
slightly worse position without coumcrplay.
13.~dl!
The critical continuation. \\·hich raises
several important questions.
a b c d e f g h
13.WxdS 13 ... ~c6 14.e6!
I faced this as Black in one of my own games, Ruining the structure seems best, as
and I did not hesitate w go after White's otherwise Black will play ... e6 and get his
rook: pieces out comfortably.
13 .. .CDc2 14.e6! fxe6 l 5.~xe6? An example of this scenario is: 14.WxdS e6
As I commented for the ChessBase site, l 5.Wb3 Wc7 16 ..ie3 (16 ..if4 ct'ldxe5 17.Wg3
1S.gxe6!N Lt'lf6 l 6.~xb7 Wes l 7.Wb3!! [l 7.ct'ld2 .id6] 17 .. .f6=)
ct'ld4! (17 ... ct'lxa 1 l 8.;Wa4t Wd7 l 9.gc6!!±
is, unbelievably, better for White) l 8.Wa4 t
Wd7 19.~xd7i- ct'lxd7 20.ge2 'llxe2t
2 l ..ixe2 e5 would have led to some sort of
balanced ending.
482
14 ... fxe6 15.ltJc3!? 18 ... b5! l 9.id3! id6 20.ic2 Be8 2 l.fe3!
A possibility that escaped Tiger's attention (2 l .\Wh5t ~f8 22.ih6! ga7! 23.ie3 gxe3
when he analysed the position in Experts on the 24.4Jxe3 g6 25.\Wh6t ~g8 26J~dl gd7 27.h4
Anti-Sicilian. if8 28.Ei'.xd7 ixh6 29.gxdSt 4Jxd8 30.CDd5
<iif7 3 l.CDc7 icl 32.b3 ia3 33.4Jxa6 id6=)
He only looked at l 5.Bxe6 CDc5! l 6.\Wh5t 21 ... g6 22.ib6 ~b8 23.ib3 <±ig7 24.Ei'.cl t
(16.Bel e6 17.CDc3 ie7 18.\Wh5t g6 19.\Wh6 This is too laborious for Black, and I'm not
if6+) 16 ... g6 17.Bxg6 hxg6 18.\Wxh8 \Wd6+± even sure he can draw in the end.
which is indeed an important line, but only
half the truth. l 5 ... CDc5 does not work in view of the brilliant:
a b c d e f g h
l 6.b4!! 4Jxb4 l 7.ie3 CDd7 l 8.\Wb3 4Jc6
a b c d e f g h 19.°&xb7 4Ja5 20.°&b2t White has a huge
initiative, and Black's under-development is
15 ... g6!N
particularly glaring.
Black should insist on sacrificing the
e6-pawn for development, and this is the right
I6Jhe6~g7!
way.
Development above all!
l 5 .. .Cbf6 has been tested in several engine
l 6 ... CDc5? gives away the game due to
games, but as I have pointed out on the
17.Bxc6+- followed by a fork on d4.
ChessBase site: 16.Bxe6 <iif7 l 7.Bxf6t! exf6
l 8.4Jxd5
17.WxdS
White has to take on d5, the only question
is how.
After l 7.4Jxd5 CDb6! l 8.CDe3 (18.4Jc3 ixc3!!

l 9.\Wxd8t Bxd8 20.bxc3 Bdl+± is at least equal
for Black, who has better pieces) 18 ... \Wxdl
19.CDxd 1 Bd8! 20.4Je3 (20.CDc3 ixc3!!)
20 ... CDa4+± Black is pressing his opponent on
the queenside, securing at least equal chances.
483
17
~deS! e the classical way,
If··· we look at the gam.n view ot· h.rs two
h
White s ou ld be. better wn1structure. However,
b ishops an
d supenor pa an d \\ ··rh rhis move
·
dynamics, 1
it is all abo~ rook on e6!
Black traps t e
18 ®e4! fffd7 19.~d5!4 &'·d--±=

l.a
9.ic4 l2ixc 4 20 .Wffxc '-
19 .. Jks
a
6
20.~h .." h owing woo d onto the
k ~ on t r .
White eep~ . , . his initianve.
ragmg
. me ro mam tam
c.
~ 8 22 ·~xeS
20 ... fffxe6 21.~xg? c'>g
484
This bold move is considered the most 10 ... ie7! they will soon be disillusioned:
critical, gaining the advantage of the two l 1.Wxg7?! gg8 12.t~hG 'lle5! 13.~hl (13.We3
bishops right away. CLJh5!) 13 ... ggG! l 4.We3
8 ... ~xf3!
8 ... ih5 is unfortunately an error. 9.g4! igG
1O.d4! cxd4 l l .cxd4± and any way of taking
on e4 costs Black material.
9.~xf3 e6!
A relatively new approach. When the white
bishop is situated on fl we would rather not
fianchetto our dark-squared bishop. The point
is that White's light-squared bishop does not
interfere with the rest of its army (as was the a b c d e f g h
case when it was on c2), and White will sooner
14 ... 'llfg4!! 15.hxg4 'llxg4 16.Wf3 ih4!+
or later play his pawn to d4 and activate the
Black is already close to winning.
bishop purposefully.
10.Wdl allows an immediate 10 ... dS!, when
Black is just fine.
a b c d e f g h
ll.ie3! (11.®dl 0-0 12.ie3 allows Black
a b c d e f g h
the interesting option 12 ... bG!? 13.Clld2 d5 00 )
1 1... 0-0 12. 'll d2 'll d 7 13.Wd 1 b 5 14. 'll f3 I0 ... ~e7!
'll bG?! (l 4 ... 4Jde5! l 5.'llxe5 'llxe5 is more 10 ... dS?! is not so good due to 11.igSt,
reliable, but White is a bit better nevertheless when White has some pressure.
as he can play all over the board.) l 5.d4 'lla4
l 6.ge2!± White was turning the screw m 11.~dl
Ponomariov - Caruana, Dortmund 2012. After l l.®g3 0-0 12.ihG (12.'lld2 'llh5!
l 3.Wh2 igS l 4.g3 ihG! l 5.f4 e5 l 6.ie2 'llfG
I0.d3 l 7.'llc4 [l 7.'llf3 ge8 looks excellent for Black
Some engines might want to stop us from with the undermining possibility ... c4 lurking
getting our bishop to e7 by 10.Wg3, but after in the background] l 7 ... exf4 18.ixf4 ixf4
19.gxf--± d~~) 12 ... 4Je8 13.ie3 Black may 4Jc7 00 ) 16 ... ~b6 l 7.a4 §fd8 looks quite
even contemplate the wild: solid for Black.
14 ... §eS
8 I. From here on, White's attempt to build the
7 Kornev formation does not seem to succeed
as well as against an early ... §c8.
15.eS
5
In case of I 5.f4 c4! Black is fine as the
4 position opens up: l 6.dxc4 (16.eS cxd3!
l 7.~xd3 4Jd7+) 16 ... bxc4 l 7.~h2 §c8
18.b3 ~a5+±
l 5 ... 4Jd7 16.f4 ~c7
I 6 ... c4!? could be more exact.
a b c d e f g h
17.4Jf3 c4! I 8.d4 b4 19.fS
13 .. .fS! 14.exfS §xf5 l 5.4Jd2 d5 l 6.d4 c4!
l 7.b3 b5 18.bxc4 bxc4 19.§ab I id6 20.~g4
~d7 2 l.g3 4Jc7 22.a4 4Je7! 23.~dl §ff8+±
With strong counterplay.
1 l.4Jd2 0-0 12.~e2 d5 13.g3

This is recommended by Kornev in Rossolimo
and Friends. With the queen on e2 we should
go for the moves ... §e8 and ... b5, with the
idea of possibly playing ... c4 at some point if
the tension lingers too long.
a b c d e f g h
l 9 ... 4Jf8!
This is where ... §e8 comes in handy.
20.fxe6!
20.f6? gxf6 2 l .exf6 ixf6 won't succeed for
White.
20.g4!? a5 2 l .a4 bxa3 22.bxa3 a4 is wild and
woolly.
20 ... 4Jxe6 2 I .ie3 §ab8 00
I am not sure how to evaluate this. Black
has chances to create play down the b-file and
a b c d e f g h
against c3, but White has his own chances on
13 ... bS the kingside. It is probably balanced, but a
Kornev gives 13 ... §cS 14.ig2 §e8 15.eS!? deeper look would be required to confirm this.
4Jd7 I 6.f4 b5 17.4Jf3 a5 18.a4 b4 19.ie3
4Jb6 20.if2 with an edge for White 11 ... 0-0
14.ig2 The final split of the chapter will focus on
14.exdS 4Jxd5 l 5.ig2 §c8 (l 5 ... §b8!?) B2331) I2.ctJd2 and B2332) 12.a4.
16.4Jb3 (16.a4 b4 17.c4 4Jd4 18.~dl
486
B2331) I2.l2Jd2 Again, 16.d4?! c4 17 .a3 a5 18.g3 b4 19 .axb4

axb4 20.h4 gas 21.faaS ~xa8 22.ctJd2 gbS
left White with no attack and Black pressing in
Boruchovsky- Van Kampen, Tel Aviv 2013.
I6 .. J~e8!?
A sensible defensive precaution.
Black should not hurry with the move ... a5 as

it may lead to a complete queenside blockade.
One example where things went wrong 1s
16 ... ctJb6 l 7.g3 a5?!
a b c d e f g h
The time has come to finally advance in the
centre:
12 ... dS I3.e5 l2Jd7 I4.l2Jf3 bS I5.iJ4

l 5.d4?! c4 reaches what should be our
favourite formation, and after 16.g3 b4 l 7.h4
bxc3 18.bxc3 ~a5t Black stood better in
Safarli - Solak, Kon ya 2012.
a b c d e f g h
l 8.a4! bxa4 l 9.bxa4 l'tJd7 20.h4 ;§'.b2 21.c4!?

dxc4 22.dxc4± White had made some progress
in Edouard - Van Kampen, Wijk aan Zee
2013.
I7.g3 Wffc8!? I8.h4 ~d8

The bishop would like to come to a5 to
harass the newly created weakness on c3.
19.ltJgS ltJfg 20.WffhS :§:b7 2I.~g2 ~aS

22.:§:acl :§:d7 23.:§:e2 ~c7 24.a3 Wffb8
25Jkel
a b c d e f g h So far this is Ganguly - Debashis, Sharjah
2014, and it seems to me that Black could have
I5 .. Jl:b8~
finally played:
This position is double-edged, as White's
attacking chances are hampered by the inactive
bishop on fl. Let us see what may happen:
I6.b3!?
Trying to keep the b-file closed.
8
7
6 '
5
4
a b c d e f g h
25 ... aS!M:
Black holds a slight edge. 15 ... b4
B2332) I2.a4 E!b8
12 ... dS is of course also possible.
a b c d e f g h 16.if4 ct:id7 17.ie3 ct:ib6 18.ct:id2 Wd7

I3.g3 bS 14.axbS axbS l 9.Wc2 Bfc8 20.c4
The chances seem balanced. I \\'ill present
some sample lines:
1s.i,g2
15.CtJd2 \{b6 16.it:lf3 (16.f4 ~a8 17.gxa8
Eha8 18.:~o d5 19.eS ct'ld7 20.id Was
21.Wc2 c4~) 16 ... Ba8 17.~xa8 E;xa8 18.d4
d5 19.exd5 :::-:_ xd5 20.ig2 cxd4 21.'1Jxd4
a b c d e f g h
488 2. £tJ f3 £tJ cG
20 ... ff6 2 l .'Llb3 'Lid4 22.fxd4 fxd4 23.'Llxd4 Conclusion

cxd4 24.Wb3 We7 25.e5 'Lid7 26Jb7 ~d8
27.exd6 'Llc5 28.~dl Wb6= This was level in The Universal System against the Rossolimo
Sutovsky- Tiviakov, Montreal 2007, although is one of the most double-edged and dynamic
Black played superbly and went on to win. batrlefields in the whole of opening theory.
Black's king lingers in the centre long enough
16 ... dS 17.eS ctJd7 18.f4 hxc3 19.hxc3 'Wc7 for the sake of achieving our positional aims,
20.'Wc2 ;gb7 21.ctJd2 and for this reason in most lines it is important
to know the theory move by move, at least
until the moment we casrle into safety. If a
player does his homework, however, then he
has excellent chances to play for a win even
against stronger opponents, as this is a system
they tend to underestimate. Some of the most
important positions undoubtedly arise after
4.0-0, but with careful study of the variations
presented in this chapter, the reader can look
forward to lasting success against 3.ib5.
a b c d e f g h
21...;gfbg 22..~ebl ;gxbl t 23.~xbl ;gxbl t
24.'Wxhl=
Variation Index
Chapter 1
l.e-t c5
Al 2.i~.:--: ,
BJ 2..:--: ·
CJ 2.:~ -:-2 .' c1
DI 2.:~-'-~ :~c6 13
Di, .3.ibS 13
021 _:,.ct:if3 14
E) 2.t4 ~L1 3.d4!? cxd4 4.®xd4 ~ f6 ; .c" ::__c6 15
E 1 ) 6. ® d l ct:l e4 !? 16
El 1) 7.ct:ld2 16
El2) 7.ie3 18
E2) 6.®d3 19
F) 2.,1_1 g6! 3.b4 ig7 20
F 1) 4.c3?! 21
F2) 4.ct:lc3! 22
Chapter 2
l.e4 cS
A) 2.g3 dS! 3.exdS ®xd5 --!.::_o lg4 5.ig2 ®e6t 6.~fl ct:lc6 7.h3 ihS 25
Al) 8.d3 ~d- 9.::_J.3 e6 26
Al 11 1c,.::_c4 26
Al21 10.g---i!? 27
A2) 8.ct:lc3 '::'~id- .l....,
:\21 9.d.3 e6 28
A21 l) 10.a4 28
A2 l 2) 1O.ie3 29
.-\22) 9.ct:leS!? 30
B) 2.d3 ~c6 3..:
B1l .3.f.-± d5!? 32
B 11) 4. ct:l f3 33
B12) 4.ie2 34
B2J .3.g.3 dS!? 35
B21) 4.exdS 35
B22) 4.ct:ld2 36
490 Grandmaster Repertoire 6A - Beating the Anti-Sicilians
Chapter 3
1.e4 cS 2.b3 ctJc6 3.~b2 eS!
A) 4.Ctk3 40
B) 4.ic4 ctJf6 42
BI) 5.ctJc3 'LJxe4! 6.ctJxe4 d5 43
Bl 1) 7.ib5!? 43
Bl2) 7.id3 44
B2) 5.d3!? d5! 6.exd5 ctJxd5 45
B21) 7.ctJc3 46
B22) 7.ctJf3 46
C) 4.ib5 47
D) 4.f4!? exf4 50
DI) 5.ic4 50
02) 5.ctJf3 51
Chapter 4
1.e4 cS 2.b4 cxb4
A) 3.c4?! 57
B) 3.ib2 d5!? 4.exd5 °1Wxd5 58
B1) 5.d4?! 59
B2) 5.c4?! 59
B3) 5.ctJf3! 60
C) 3.d4 d5 62
Cl) 4.exd5 62
C2) 4.e5 63
D) 3.a3 65
01) 3 ... d5 4.exd5 iWxd5 65
011) 5.ib2?! 65
012) 5.~f3! 67
02) 3 ... e5!? 70
E) 3.ctJf3 ctJc6 71
El) 4.a3!? e5! 71
E2) 4.d4 dS! 5.exdS iWxdS 6.c4 bxc3 7.ctJxc3 iWaS 73
E2 l) 8.dS?! 74
E22) 8.id2! 75
Variation Index 491
Chapter 5
1.e4 c5 2.d :!2: f6
A) 3.d ..~ -,,;

B) J.e; ::__2; -9
B1·-d,~c480
Bl 1) 4... e6 80
B12) 4 ... ctib6 81
B21 -±.d4 cxd4 83
B2 l) 5.ic4 83
B22) 5.cxd4 85
B23) 5.°1Wxd4 e6 87
B231) 6.ic4 87
B232) 6.CDf3 ctic6 7.°1We4 f5! 89
B2321) 8.exf6 ct'ixf6 89
B232 l l) 9.°1Wc2 89
B23212) 9.°1Wh4 90
B2322) 8.°1We2 b5! 92
B2322 l) 9.g3 93
B23222) 9.°1Wxb5 94
Chapter 6
1.e4 cS 2.c3 ~f6 3.eS ~dS 4.~f3 e6
A) 5.c4 97
B) 5.ctia3 98
C) 5.g3 ct'lc6 6.ig2 d6 7.exd6 ixd6 8.0-0 0-0 JOO
Cl) 9.i:lla3 JOO
C2) 9.d4 cxd4 10.ltJxd4 ct'lxd4 11.°1Wxd4 °1Wc7 12.lLld2 id7 13.ctie4 ie5 102
C2 l) 14.\W d3 103
C22) 14.°1Wc5!? 104
Chapter 7
1.e4 cS 2.c3 ~f6 3.eS ~dS 4.~f3 e6 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 d6
A) 7.id3 c2Jb4! 108

Al) 8.ie2 108
A2) 8.0-0 110
A3) 8.ibSt id7 112
A3 1) 9 .ie2 112
A32) 9.ixd7t 113
A4) 8.igS 114
B) 7.id2 116
C) 7.ctJc3 ctJxc3 8.bxc3 ~c7! 9.id2 ctJd7 118
Cl) lO.id3!? 119
C2) 1O.exd6 121
O) 7.a3 id7!? 8.id3 ic6 9.0-0 ctJd7 123
01) IO.ctJbd2 124
02) IO.gel 126
03) 1O.b4 a6 128
031) 11.ctJ bd2 128
032) l l .~e2 131
033) 11.gel 132
Chapter 8
1.e4 cS 2.c3 ~f6 3.eS ~dS 4.~f3 e6 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 d6 7.~c4 ctJc6 8.0-0 ~e7
A) 9.ctJc3 137
B) 9.ixdS 138
C) 9.exd6!? 139
Cl) 9 ... ~xd6 139
C2) 9 ... ixd6!? 141
0) 9.id2 142
E) 9.a3 0-0 144
El) IO.id3 id7 l l.~e2 gc8 12.~e4 fS 13.exf6 ctJxf6 14.~e2 dS 15.ctJc3 145
El 1) 15 ... id6 145
El2) 15 ... ctJe8!? 146
E2) IO.gel id7 147
E2 l) l l.id2!? 147
E22) l l.ctJbd2 150
E23) l l.~d3 152
Variation Index 493
Chapter 9
1.e4 cS 2.c3 ctJf6 3.eS ctJdS 4.ctJf3 e6 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 d6 7.~c4 ctJc6 8.0-0 ~e7 9.Wf e2 0-0
A) 10.gdl 157
B) IO.gel 159
B1) 1O... b6!? 159
B2) 10 ... 1Wb6! 161
C) 10.ctJc3!? ctJxc3 l l.bxc3 dxe5 12.dxeS 1Wc7 163
Cl) 13.id3 164
C2) l 3.1We4 b6 165
C21) 14.id3 166
C22) 14.igS 167
D) 10.~e4 id7 168
01) 1 U:%el 170
02) 11.id3 172
Chapter 10
1.e4 cS 2.ctJc3 ctJc6 3.~hS!? ctJd4!
A) 4.ctJf3 177
B) 4.ctJge2 179
C) 4.ic4 a6 181
C 1) 5. ctJ f3 181
C2) 5.ctJge2 183
C3) 5.a4 e6 6.ctJge2! ctJf6 184
C31) 7.d3 185
C32) 7.0-0 186
C4) 5.d3 e6 188
C4 l) 6.ctJf3 189
C42) 6.cuge2 190
Chapter 11
1.e4 cS 2.ctJc3 ctJc6 3.ctJge2!? ctJd4!?
A) 4.f4 194
B) 4.gbl 196
C) 4.ctJxd4 cxd4 197
C 1) 5.ctJ bS!? 197
C2) 5.ctJe2 199
D) 4.d3 201
Chapter 12
1.e4 cS 2.~c3 ~c6 3.~f3 eS 4.~c4 ~e7!
A) 5.4Jd5 d6 6.d3 4Jf6 205

Al) 7.c3 0-0 205
Al I) 8.4Jxf6t 206
A12) 8.0-0 208
A2) 7.4Je3 209
B) 5.d3 4Jf6 210
Bl) 6.4Jd2 210
B2) 6.0-0 0-0 214
B21) 7.Jig5 d6 8.Jixf6 fxf6 9.4Jd5 gb8! 10.a4 fe6! 215
B21 l) l l.'1We2 216
B212) l l.'1Wd2 217
B22) 7.4Jg5 h6 8.f4! exf4 218
B221) 9.4Jh3 219
B222) 9.4Jf3 221
Chapter 13
1.e4 cS 2.~c3 ~c6 3.~f3 eS 4.~c4 ~e7! S.d3 ~f6 6.~gS 0-0 7.f4 dS!?
A) 8.4Jxd5 4Jxd5 9.Jixd5 exf4 226

Al) 10.h4!? 226
A2) 10.4Jxf7 227
A3) I 0.4Jf3 228
B) 8.exd5 Jig4! 9.'\Wd2 4Jd4 230
B 1) 10.0-0 exf4 230
B 11) I l.gxf4 231
B12) l l.~xf4! 232
Bl21) 11...JidG!? 232
B122) l l...4Jxc2!N 235
B2) 10.fxeS 4Jd7 11.0-0 4Jxe5 12.Jib3!? b5!N 237
B21) 13.h3 238
B22) 13.'\We3 Jid6! 14.h3! Jih5 240
B22 l) l 5.4Jge4!? 241
B222) l 5.4Jce4 243
B3) 10.h3 243
Variation Index 495
Chapter 14
1.e4 cS 2.'tk3 ~c6 3.f4 g6 4.~f3 .ig7 S..ic4 e6 6.fS!? ~ge7! 7.fxe6 fxe6
A) 8.0-0 247
B) 8.d3 d5 249
Bl) 9.exdS?! exdS 10.ib3 b5! 11.0-0!? c4 12.dxc4 dxc4 13.Wxd8t 'Dxd8!!
14.tt:hb5 cxb3 l 5.'Dc7t ©d7 16.'Dxa8 bxc2! 249
B 11) l 7J~f2 250
Bl2) 17.if4!? 251
B2) 9.ib3 bS! 252
B2 l) 1O.a4?! 253
B22) 10.0-0 256
Chapter 15
1.e4 cS 2.~c3 ~c6 3.f4 g6 4.~f3 .ig7 S..ihS!? ~d4!
A) 6.a4 CDf6!? 260

Al) 7.0-0 261
A2) 7.e5 262
B) 6.ic4 e6! 264
Bl) 7.d3 265
B2) 7.e5!? d5! 267
B2 l) 8.exd6 Wxd6 9.d3 267
B2 l l) 9 ... CDf6 268
B212) 9 ... 'De7!? 269
B22) 8.CDxd4!? 270
C) 6.CDxd4 cxd4 7.'De2 'Df6 271
Cl) 8.eS CDd5 272
Cl 1) 9.c4?! 212
C12) 9.c3! 273
C2) 8.id3 Wb6 275
C21) 9.b3 276
C22) 9.0-0 217
C23) 9.a4 d6! 1O.aS!? 'tg' cS! 280
C231) 11.b4!? 281
C232) 1 l .b3 282
D) 6.0-0!? a6! 283
D 1) 7 .~d3!? 283
02) 7.ic4 286
Chapter 16
1.e4 c5 2.Ctk3 CL\ c6 3.g3 g6 4.~g2 ~g7 5.d3 d6
A) 6.Ctlh3 291
B) 6.c2ige2 e6 293
Bl) 7.ie3 293
B2) 7.0-0! l2:ige7 295
B21) 8J~bl!? 296
B22) 8.igS 297
C) 6.l2:if3 l2:if6 7.0-0 0-0 298
Cl) 8.gel 300
C2) 8.l2:idS 301
C3) 8.l2:igS 302
C4) 8.l2:ih4 303
CS) 8.h3 gb8 304
CS l) 9.ie3?! 305
CS2) 9.a4! a6 10.ie3 bS 11.axbS axbS 12.~d2 306
CS21) 12 ... ge8 307
CS22) l 2 ... b4 309
Chapter 17
1.e4 c5 2.CLlc3 CLlc6 3.g3 g6 4.~g2 ~g7 5.d3 d6 6.~e3 e5
A) 7.l2:ih3 312
B) 7.~d2 l2:ige7 313
Bl) 8.ih6?! ixh6 9.~xh6 l2:id4! 313
Bl 1) 10.0-0-0?! 314
Bl2) 10.~d2! 315
B2) 8.h4?! 317
B3) 8.l2:if3 319
B4) 8.l2:ige2 320
BS) 8.f4 l2:id4 9.l2lf3 0-0 10.0-0 322
BS l) 1O... ig4 322
BS 11) l l.gf2!? 322
BS 12) l l .t2lh4 323
BS2) 10 ... ie6 325
Variation Index 497
Chapter 18
1.e4 cS Vtk3 tZ)c6 3.g3 g6 4.~g2 ~g7 S.d3 d6 6.f4 e6 7.tZ)f3 tZ)ge7 8.0-0 0-0
A) 9.g4 329
B) 9.iWel 330
C) 9.ctJe2 gb8! 331
Cl) 10.a4!?331
C2) 1O.c3 332
D) 9.<iihl 333
E) 9.id2 335
F) 9.ie3 b6!? 336
Fl) lO.if2 336
F2) 1O.d4 338
Chapter 19
1.e4 cS 2.tZ)f3 g6
A) 3.d4 343
B) 3.c3 d5 4.exd5! iWxdS 5.d4 ig7 344
B1) 6.ie3 346
B2) 6.ctJa3 cxd4 347
B21) 7.ic4 347
B22) 7.ctJb5 c2:Ja6 349
B221) 8.ctJbxd4 349
B222) 8.ie3 350
Chapter 20
1.e4 cS z.tZ)f3 e6
A) 3.b4 cxb4 354

Al) 4.a3 354
A2) 4.d4 355
B) 3.b3 a6 4.ib2 ctJc6 356
Bl) 5.g3 358
B2) 5.~e2 359
B3) 5.c4 359
C) 3.d3 ctJc6 4.g3 dS 5.iWe2 ctJge7 360
Cl) 6.ig2 361
C2) 6.c3 363
D) 3.g3 364
Chapter 21
1.e4 cS 2. ctJ f3 d6
A) 3.ic4 !bf6 4.d3 'i'lc6 5.c3 e6 369

Al) 6.0-0 370
A2) 6.ib3 ie7 7.0-0 0-0 372
A21) 8.~e2 372
A22) 8.:§:el 373
B) 3.c3 'i'lf6 376
B1) 4.ie2 376
B2) 4.h3 'i'lc6 377
B21) 5.d4 377
B22) 5.id3 378
B3) 4.ic4 'i'lxe4 5.~a4t 'i'lc6 6.ixf7t ~xf7 7.~xe4 g6!? 382
B31) 8.d4 383
B32) 8.0-0 385
B4) 4.id3 'i'lc6 5.ic2 ig4 6.d3 e6 386
B41) 7.0-0 387
B42) 7.'i'lbd2 ie7 8.h3 ihS 389
B421) 9.'i'lfl dS! 390
B4211) 10.®e2 390
B4212) 10.'i'lg3!? 391
B422) 9.~e2!? 393
Chapter 22
1.e4 cS 2.CDf3 ctJc6
A) 3.g3 396
B) 3.c3 397
C) 3.ibS d6 4.c3 'i'lf6! 399
Cl) 5.eS 399
C2) 5.~e2 id7 401
C21) 6.0-0 401
C22) 6.d4 403
Variation Index 499
Chapter 23
l.e4 cS 2.ltJf3 ltJc6 3.ihS d6 4.d4 cxd4 S.°1Wxd4 id7 6.ixc6 ixc6
A) 7.c4 f5!? 409

Al) 8.ltk3 409
A2) 8.exf5 ®a5t 411
A21) 9.ct:lbd2 412
A22) 9.ct:lc3 ®xf5 10.ct:ld5 e5! 413
A22 l) 1 1. ® d 1 414
A222) l l.®e3 415
B) 7.ct:lc3 ct:lf6 8.ig5 e6 417
B 1) 9.®d3 417
B2) 9.0-0-0 ie7 418
B21) 10.®d3!? ®a5!? 418
B21 l) l I.id2 418
B212) l I.ih4 419
B213) 11.<±>bl 0-0 12.h4 h6 13.id2 ®a6! 420
B2131) 14.®xa6 421
B2132) 14.ct:ld4423
B2 l 4) l I.h4 424
B22) l O.ghe 1 0-0 425
B22 l) l l.e5 426
B222) l l .®d2 427
B223) 11.~bl h6 12.ih4! ®a5! 13.®d2 ®h5! 14.h3! gfd8!
l 5.g4! ®c5 429
B2231) l 6.g5?! 431
B2232) l 6.ct:ld4! 433
Chapter 24
1.e4 cS 2.ttJf3 'Llc6 3.~bS d6 4.~xc6t bxc6
A) 5.e5 436
B) 5.0-0 e5!? 6.d! f5!? 439
Bl) 7.~a4 440
B2) 7.d4!? fxe4 8.~g5 441
B21) 8 ... exd4 441
B22) 8 ... cxd4 9.cxd4 d5 442
B221) I O.dxe5 442
B222) I O.~xe4!! 444
B23) 8 ... iJ5!? 446
B24) 8... d5!? 448
B3) 7.exf5 ie7!? 8.d4 e4! 452
B3 l) 9.~g5 453
B32) 9.~fd2 ~f6 I0.dxc5 d5! 454
B321) l 1.c4 455
B322) l l .b4 456
Chapter 25
1.e4 cS 2.ttJf3 'Llc6 3.~bS d6 4.0-0 ~d7
A) 5.d ~f6 6.d4!? ~xe4 ?J~el ~f6 461

Al) 8.d5 462
A2) 8.ig5!? 464
B) 5.gel ~f6 465
Bl) 6.h3 465
B2) 6.d a6 467
B21) 7.ixc6!? ixc6 8.d4 ixe4 9.ig5 ic6 I0.ixf6 gxf6 l l.d5 id7 468
B211) I2.~bd2470
B212) 12.~h4 471
B22) 7.ia4 b5!? 8.ic2 ig4 472
B22 l) 9.d3 473
B222) 9.a4 474
B23) 7.ifl ig4 476
B23 l) 8.d3 476
B232) 8.d4!? 480
B233) 8.h3 ixf3! 9.~xf3 e6! 10.d3 ie7! 11.~dl 0-0 483
B2331) 12.~d2 486
B2332) l 2.a4 487

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Grandmaster Repertoire 6A

Beating the Anti-Sicilians

Copyright © 2015 Vassilios Kotronias

Grandmaster Repertoire 6A- Beating the Anti-Sicilians

Paperback ISBN 978-1-907982-63-7

All sales or enquiries should be directed to Quality Chess UK Ltd,

Distributed in North America by National Book Network

Distributed in Rest of the World by Quality Chess UK Ltd through

Typeset by Jacob Aagaard

Various 2nd Moves

Variation Index 489

C) after 9.~e4! D 1) note to 4.d3!N E2) after 1O.l2lf3

9 ... g6!N 4 .. .tllge7!N

1.e4 c5 3.ctJf3 ctJf6! 4.ctJc3 (4.e5 d5! 5.exf6 dxc4

2.ie2 is likely to transpose elsewhere, e.g.

2.a4 is a strange-looking move, but it has

3 ... ltJc6 4.ltJf3

2 ... e6! 3.~e2

1O... a5!? l l .e5 t2'ld7 l 2.ixe7 t2'lxe7+ In my 12 .. .'l!Mc7Ni

4 ... ct:Jge7!? s.~h3 This will most likely transpose to an English

Instead, 3.t2'lc3 g6 leads to the English and is

4.ttJhc3 e6! S.d4 dS!

12..ig2 d3 13JWxd3 .ixh2 14.E!:dl 'Wast

I 9.ig2 ids 20.£3 t2Jd4!+

The alternative 4.e5 CDg4 5.CDf4 (5.f4?! is 8

In Hou Yifan - Ju Wenjun, Lopata 2014,

16J~d5 3 ... eS!?

We will consider two moves for White:

A move which has some purpose, especially

4 ... ltJge7 5.ltJc4 d6 6.~d2!

The most obvious developing move.

7.ltJe3 ~e7 8.ltJf3 4.d3 g6 5.g3 ig7 6.ig2 0-0 7.0-0 dS

I0.~c4 s... f6!?

Alternatively, 5 ... Vfic7 6.4Jc4 e6 7.h3 4Jh6

6.CtJc4 ctJgxeS 7.ctJcxeS fxeS 8.ctJxeS g6!?

Black) 10 ... Vfid4 l l.Vfixd4 cxd4 12.ic4 b5 ~. f~

17.'Wf3 ~eS 18.0-0 g4 19.'We2 hS 20.b4

3.d4!? Ell) 7.CLid2

This has been sporadically played; White

7.~f3N may well be best. A possible line of

s ...~g7 9.~c3 d6 I0.CDf3 o-o

Weaker is instead l l .exd6?! ~xc3t 12.bxc3

A good reply to l 5.®e3 is:

to liquidate the annoying e5-pawn. a b c d e f g h

11...~xcS 12.lZ)bS ~bs!i

10 ... Wd7 11.0-0 e6 00 happened in Westerinen 3.b4~g7

13.~f3 'Wd7! 14.'Wd3 CLlc6! 15.~xe4

16 ... ~xe4 17.\Wxe4 On 6J[b l, holding on to the pawn, the best

17 ... \We6 18.\Wxe6 ~xe6i

12 ... aS 13.hxcS dxc5 14.a4 b4 15JWe2 .id7

The 2nd move options examined in this chapter

I0.c3 ~b8 l l.~e3 h5 12 ..ia2

2.g3 and 2.d3

17 ... g5!N 18 ... id3t!N 10 ... b5!N

This one allows Black to free himself with an

2 ... dS! 3.exdS

18 .. J~dS I9.@g2 One might wonder what happens in case of

AI2) I0.g4!? I2.~xg6 hxg6 I3.~c4 ~f6 I4.a4 ~dS

I0 ... ~g6 1I.~h4!

This time l l .~c4?! is pointless after 11 .. .f6!.

A well-motivated move, designed to weaken

I0 ... ~f6 11.aS ~d8

sD 1%.• )?%.R B .~ chances for both sides, but in practical chess

·-'N/ ,/&, , - . . /,.